It was a heartbreak for FC Goa as they concede a late goal to share the spoils with Al Rayyan in their AFC Champions League clash. The Gaurs were quick to show their intent as Jorge Ortiz scored in the third minute and handed the host an early lead and also an opportunity to dictate terms in the game. While they led for most of the game, a late error among the defenders and goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh meant that substitute Ali Ferydoon simply tucked the ball in at the 89th minute to restore parity as the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
FC Goa head coach Juan Ferrand was visibly disappointed at the post-match press conference as he explained how difficult it is to concede late in the game when his team led the game throughout. He said, “It is difficult when you lose (concede) at the last minute. But we played against a very good team, it is a pleasure to play against these teams because these teams play very good football.”
The Spanish tactician felt that the win could have had a big significance for the Indian football fans and would have motivated them more during these tough times of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“It was a very important game for us today. It is a very difficult period in India so I was thinking, if we win, it would be very good for the people.
“The players did a great job, but of course, we need to improve. We have one more chance, in the next game against Al Wahda. It is difficult to prepare for these games due to injuries. The fitness coaches are working very hard, this is the truth,” he revealed.
Although the Gaurs are out of the race to qualify from this group even before the start of the match as Al Wahda came up with a shock defeat against Persepolis, still a win would have been historic. However now Ferrando wants to shift his focus on the last ACL fixture against Al Wahda as he wants to end on a high.
“The action for the goal was in transition, it was a foul and then in this transition, it is difficult. When you change from attack to defence, the team is not ready. This is the difference between teams from India and then a team like Al Rayyan. I know my players, it is a terrible moment for the players. We will learn, of course, one time (mistake) it is okay, two times (repeating mistakes) it is not,” he signed off.
