PANJIM (Goa): FC Goa will become the first Indian club to play in AFC Champions League when they face Qatar’s Al Rayyan club in Group E on Wednesday.
FC Goa coach Juan Ferrando, who has the likes of Ivan Gonzalez, captain Edu Bedia and Jorge Ortiz at his disposal, will be banking on home advantage.
Missing from their roster is striker Igor Angulo, who won the ISL Golden Boot in his first year in India scoring 14 goals from 21 games, and it will be up to forwards Devendra Murgaonkar and Ishan Pandita to fill the void left by the 37-year-old Spaniard.
“This match is the most important moment for the club and Indian football. We are working hard because we know about the opponents and their level of football,” said Ferrando.
“It will be an intense match against Al Rayyan and the physical conditions are as important as the psychology and mentality of the players. The most important thing is to maintain that level of concentration for every game.”
FC Goa captain Edu Bedia echoed his coach’s comments and stressed that his teammates will have to stay strong and remain focused throughout the match.
“It’s a historical match for Indian football to compete in a tournament of this calibre. We worked very hard in training, we have a lot of ambition and we’re definitely excited. Tomorrow we will try our best to play our best game forward,” said 32-year-old Bedia.
FC Goa (IND) v Al Rayyan (QAT)
Venue: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa
Kick-off: 22:30 (UTC+5.30)
