FC Goa falls to Al-Zawraa in AFC Champions League opener
FC Goa began its AFC Champions League 2 campaign with a 0-2 loss to Iraqi club Al-Zawraa SC at the Fatorda Stadium on Wednesday. Despite creating several scoring opportunities throughout the match, the Gaurs' failure to convert their chances proved costly. The visiting side's clinical finishing and solid defense ultimately made the difference, leaving the home team with an opening-day defeat in the continental group stage.
The match began with early pressure from Al-Zawraa, as a defensive lapse almost cost FC Goa just minutes in. However, it was the visitors who took the lead just before halftime. Following a well-placed free-kick, Reziq Bani Hani found the back of the net in the 44th minute, giving his side a crucial 1-0 advantage going into the break. The goal was a significant blow to FC Goa, who had defended stoutly up to that point.
In the second half, FC Goa came out with renewed energy, determined to find an equalizer. Players like Dejan Drazic and Brison Fernandes worked hard to create chances and put pressure on the Al-Zawraa defense. The home side's efforts were a mix of long-range shots and close-range attempts, but they were consistently denied by the visitors' goalkeeper, Jalal Hassan, and a disciplined backline.
The Iraqi side, regarded as their country's most decorated football club with 14 domestic titles, showed why they are a formidable opponent. Despite facing periods of intense pressure from FC Goa, they were able to hold their ground and capitalize on a late opportunity to seal the win. Nizar Al-Rashdan scored the second goal for Al-Zawraa in the 95th minute of stoppage time, putting the result beyond any doubt and securing all three points for the visitors.
The defeat puts FC Goa at the bottom of a challenging Group D, which also includes Tajikistan side FC Istiklol and Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al-Nassr FC, led by Cristiano Ronaldo. The Gaurs will need to quickly regroup and learn from this loss as they prepare for their next match, an away fixture against FC Istiklol on October 1. The team's performance showed moments of promise, but they will need to be much more clinical in front of the goal if they hope to advance in the tournament.
