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FC Goa head coach Juan Ferrando is heartbroken after his side conceded a last-minute equalizer in their AFC Champions League fixture against Al Rayyan, claiming the team wanted to win for the Indian people fighting a deadly second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
FC Goa conceded a goal in the 89th minute to lose a chance to become the first Indian club to win a prestigious AFC Champions League (ACL) game in a 1-1 draw against Al Rayyan from Qatar here on Monday.
“It’s difficult when you lose at the last minute. But the truth is, we are playing against some very good teams. It’s a pleasure to play against Persepolis, Al Wahda and Al Rayyan, â€said Ferrando.
“It was a very important game because the situation in India is very difficult at the moment. We thought that if we win it will be a good time for the Indians because it is very difficult for the players at the moment.
“They were talking about playing for India because I know the tough times. But, we conceded at the last moment. It’s football,” he added.
Jorge Ortiz put FC Goa ahead in the third minute of the Group E game, but Ali Ferydoon equalized with one minute to go.
Al Rayyan had the majority of possession in the first half, but it was a tie game in the second session.
“Of course we have to improve. We have our next game against Al Wahda. There are injuries and it’s hard to prepare. The medical staff worked tirelessly, â€said Ferrando.
“We had to be better during the transition before we conceded. It’s a big difference between the other teams playing here and us. It was a terrible moment for my players to concede at the last moment. They were also exhausted, â€he said.
The Gaurs are currently three points in five games with their last game scheduled against Al Wahda FSCC on April 30.
The Indian Super League side lost any chance of qualifying after UAE’s Al Wahda defeated last season’s finalist Persepolis FC 1-0 in another earlier Group E game during the day.
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