FC Goa are all set to take on 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 dogged display against one of the best sides in Qatar last time out, and will need more of that grit and determination as they welcome the visit of Emirati side Al Wahda.
A strong performance against Al Rayyan will give FC Goa, the Men in Orange, confidence heading into this one, especially since few expected that level of resilience from the Indian Super League (ISL) giants.
The individual displays of players such as Glan Martins, Ivan Gonzalez and Dheeraj Singh were especially encouraging, and early signs suggest that this team is more than ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
“It is necessary to work as a team”, said Head Coach Juan Ferrando in his pre-match press conference as he discussed his side’s progression in recent months.
Despite the praise for a strong defensive performance against Al Rayyan, Coach Ferrando insists 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 flashes of his class against Al Rayyan, and the desire of young 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 can come together and lead the team to success against a tricky Al Wahda outfit.