After suffering back-to-back defeats to Persepolis, FC Goa will take on Qatari club Al Rayyan in the reverse fixture in Group E of the 2021 AFC Champions League (ACL) at the Fatorda Stadium on Monday, April 26.
The Gaurs had made as many as eight changes to their starting XI that lost 2-1 against Persepolis, but it proved costly as they were thrashed 4-0 by the Iranian champions in their return leg.
FC Goa and Al Rayyan SC played out a goalless draw in their earlier Group E meeting this month.
Meanwhile, Juan Ferrando and his men are still in the hunt for a knock-out berth with two points from four outings, while Laurent Blanc’s Al Rayyan are no longer in contention for a Round of 16 spot after suffering three losses (one point in four games).
Ahead of the Al Rayyan clash, FC Goa have received a major boost as their captain Edu Bedia will be available for selection following his return from suspension. However, the Gaurs will be without suspended left-back Sanson Pereira.
“Over 20 days, we have injuries and there is fatigue but it’s very important to have a plan and do our best in the next two games,” said Ferrando.
“It is important to review the previous match in efforts to improve ourselves. It is not like we are stuck at a level and feel we can’t perform. On the contrary, we are making changes to tactics to improve.
“Al Rayyan knows this is an important match for both teams. They will have some new players on the field, but it will be a different match for sure. We will work hard to get a positive result,” the FC Goa coach added.
FC Goa squad for AFC Champions League 2021
Goalkeepers: Mohammad Nawaz, Naveen Kumar, Shubham Dhas, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem
Defenders: Sanson Pereira, Seriton Fernandes, Leander D’Cunha, Iván González (Spain), Mohamed Ali, James Donachie (Australia), Aibanbha Dohling, Saviour Gama, Adil Khan
Midfielders: Edu Bedia (Spain), Glan Martins, Princeton Rebello, Brandon Fernandes, Phrangki Buam, Redeem Tlang, Makan Winkle Chothe, Alexander Romario Jesuraj, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Romeo Fernandes
Forwards: Jorge Ortiz (Spain), Devendra Murgaonkar, Ishan Pandita
Where to watch Al Rayyan SC vs FC Goa live?
The Al Rayyan vs FC Goa AFC Champions League match will be telecast live at 10:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on Star Sports 3 and Star Sports 3 HD TV channels in India.
Live streaming of Al Rayyan SC vs FC Goa match will be available on Disney+ Hotstar.
Featured photo: Twitter/FC Goa
