Indian Super League side FC Goa holds Al Wahda to a 0-0 draw. Inspiring the fans with yet another spectacular performance at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa.
As the referee blew his whistle to end the match, the face of the Gaurs said it all. The Gaurs did something identical to what they did against Al Rayyan, and the shock of losing points were clearly visible on the faces of al Wahda players.
FC Goa were yet again successful to pull yet another masterclass of defending. However, they were still lacking in their ability of positional attack. One thing is for sure now that FC Goa have made their nag=me in the AFC Champions League. They aren’t a team to be taken for granted.
FC Goa 0-0 Al Wahda: TEAM NEWS
Goa(4-1-4-1): Ferrando made absolutely no changes in their formation or team composition. The team remained unchanged after their match against Al Rayyan. and the results of the fixture surprisingly remained the same.
Al Wahda(4-3-2-1): Hank ten also used the same formation which the used against Persepolis. But, Al Wahda made two changes in their team playin Al Shamsi as the goalkeeper and benching Ali, and staring Matar instead of Esmaeel.
FC Goa 0-0 Al Wahda: MATCH ANALYSIS
Goa gave anther Inspirational performance under Juan Ferrando. As their disciplined defending helped them to secure one point from Al Wahda. Goa were also better at attacking in comparison with their last match especially on the break. Murgaonkar’s pace really came in handy as he was able to make numerous runs throughout the match.
Right after the kickoff Goa had a wonderful chance but Pandita failed to convert it as, the ball went above the goal-post. In the 6th minute of the match a chance for penalty emerged as Donachie charged Matar but the referee waved it off. Goa were looking much comfortable with the ball in comparison to the last match against Al Rayyan.
Hamad and Martins clash and Hamad gets severely injured and gets carried out as the injury looks serious. Al Wahda enjoys a fair amount of possession as the game continues. Ferrando’s men were absolutely pegged onto their own half but that changes after it changes soon. After Khalil’s shot at goal was blocked, it set off Seriton on a Goa counter. However, his attempted cross to Pandita from the right flank lacked accuracy and Al Shamsi collects the ball easily.
Half-time whistle blows as the first half comes to an end. FC Goa started the second-half on a positive note. Ortiz breaks clear and tries to curl one from the edge of Al Wahda’s box but takes too much time. soon Pandita gets subbed and Murgaonkar takes his place. A lot of back and forth action happens as the match progresses on the 90th minute Fernandes again with a last-ditch tackle, which does not allow Omar to pounce on the rebound after Dheeraj parried away Matavz’s shot.
Al Wahda force their forward as the full time approaches but fails to convert because of Young Dheeraj’s courageous save in the last minute of the match. What a tournament he is having.
The match comes to an end, and both the teams share one point each. Hank ten remains in shock and the frustrations was clearly visible on the Old man’s face.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCE
Dheeraj Singh: Dheeraj gave his all for the team, made mighty saves. It is safe to say that without him this draw wouldn’t have been possible.
FC Goa will face Persepolis FC on 20th April,10.30pm at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Fatorda, Goa.
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