Image credit: FCGoaOfficial@Twitter

A late goal denied FC Goa what could have been a maiden win for them in the AFC Champions League as the Gaurs conceded late into their Group E (West Region) encounter against Qatar’s Al Rayyan SC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Monday night. Jorge Ortiz put the Gaurs ahead in the third minute but substitute Ali Farydoon levelled the score in the 89th minute of the match to break FC Goa’s heart.

Being so close and yet so far, Gaurs head coach Juan Ferrando expressed his disappointment after the 1-1 draw – their third so far in the tournament -- and admitted that the final result was difficult to swallow in light of how his team fought all through the encounter.

“It is difficult when you 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 Spaniard said at the post-match press conference.

Ferrando said his team tried hard to provide some cheer to Indian people plagued by the Covid-19 pandemic at present. “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.”

Ferrando explained how his team couldn’t get the desired result from the game. “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 it is not,” he said.

The Gaurs were eliminated from the competition prior to their kick-off after UAE’s Al Wahda secured a 1-0 win over group leaders Persepolis FC earlier in the day. The final group match will see Ferrando’s men take on the Emirati side on Thursday.