Goa : FC Goa are all set to play against Al Wahda in their second AFC Champions League encounter on Saturday night, just days after impressing during a 0-0 draw in their opening fixture against Al Rayyan.
The Gaurs put on a solid display against one of the best sides in Qatar last time out, and will need more of such grit and determination as they welcome the visit of Emirati side Al Wahda. Before this showdown, here is a look at how the two teams compare, and who could be the men capable of making a difference:
FC Goa:
A strong performance against Al Rayyan will provide the Gaurs with confidence heading into this one, especially since few expected that level of resilience from the Indian Super League (ISL) giants.
The individual brilliance of players such as Glan Martins, Ivan Gonzalez and Dheeraj Singh were especially encouraging, and early signs suggested that this team is more than ready for the challenges that lie ahead of them.
The second hurdle! 💪🏻#RiseAgain #WAHGOA #FCGoaInAsia #ACL2021 pic.twitter.com/VMwFI3gmm8
— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) April 16, 2021
“It is necessary to work as a team”, said Head Coach Juan Ferrando in his pre-match press conference when he discussed about his side’s progression in recent months.
Despite earning praise for a strong defensive performance against Al Rayyan, Coach Ferrando insisted there are areas Goa need to strengthen if they want to go further in the competition.
“We need to improve in attack and our focus is always on the next game. We cannot think of the Al Rayyan game anymore,” he said.
“I know the Coach and the attacking style of Al Wahda and they are a very dangerous team. We need to control them in many areas of the pitch to stop them and we will also try to keep the ball as much as possible.”
When it comes to attack, FC Goa’s threat lies in the technical brilliance of Jorge Ortiz, who showed glimpses of his class against Al Rayyan, and the desire of young blood Ishan Pandita, who was a willing runner despite being isolated at times up top.
FC Goa will hope that their young guns and their experienced players van gel together and lead the team to success against a tricky Al Wahda outfit.
Al Wahda:
FC Goa’s in their second game will face Emirati side Al Wahda, who entered this game with something to prove after being beaten 1-0 by Persepolis FC in their opening outing in the AFC Champions League.
Al Wahda plied their trade in the UAE Pro League, and are currently sitting eighth in the table in a domestic league that they have triumphed in four times in their history.
The team is coached by former Ajax Head Coach Henk ten Cate, who has held several high profile positions in Europe, including tenures at Chelsea and FC Barcelona in the past.
When it comes to their main threat going forward, Al Wahda will look towards Slovenian striker Tim Matavz to provide the goals, as he remains their top scorer this season with nine goals from 23 appearances.
Ismail Matar leads the way for Al Wahda when it comes to most assists for the club this season, with nine to this name and is another important man. Meanwhile inspirational club captain Khalil Ibrahim Al-Hammadi is one of their most technically proficient players and would want to put on a strong display against the Gaurs.
The Emiratis have played 12 times in the Champions League, with their longest stint in the competition coming in 2007, when they reached the semi-finals in a memorable season for the club.
Something has to give
With Goa holding on for a draw in their first game whereas Al Wahda suffering a defeat, it is expected the side from the UAE is going to come out firing once the opening whistle blows.
Goa would need to show more of their defensive prowess, but also be willing to push forward at every given opportunity if they are to get something out of this game.
Something has to give as these continental rivals will battle it out, and all the action live starts at 8 PM on Saturday, April 18.
