FC GOA HERE ON MERIT, NOT BY CHANCE: PERSEPOLIS COACH

The underdogs have been riding high after draws against strong Al Rayyan and Al Wahda

The AFC Champions League may have some of the biggest names in Asia, competing for the top prize, but FC Goa, the firstever Indian representatives in Asia’s apex club competition, are right in there giving them a tough fight, and deservedly so, feels Yahya Golmohammadi, the head coach of potential title challengers Persepolis FC.

Having played two matches each, Persepolis currently stand at the top of Group E of the AFC Champions League with six points to their name. However, debutants FC Goa have been a surprise package, as they occupy second spot on the table, having earned two points from two goalless draws. Now, the top two sides in Group E are all set to faceoff against each other at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, a match that kicks-off at 10.30 PM IST on Tuesday, April 20, 2021.

“I saw both their matches, and they have been really working (hard), and been running a lot. It’s (FC Goa’s position on the table) not only surprising for us, but also for everyone else in the ACL,” said Golmohammadi on the eve of the match.

“From the mental aspect, they are on a real high, and they have been doing well on the technical aspect as well. It is not by accident that they stopped two good teams. They did it on merit,” continued Golmohammadi. “It will not be easy against them tomorrow. We need to concentrate hard because our rivals are very good at counter-attacking.” Meanwhile, FC Goa have been riding the high waves after two draws against strong sides like Al Rayyan and Al Wahda. Ahead of their match against Persepolis, FC Goa head coach Juan Ferrando said that it was akin to a “dream” for his side.

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They have been really working (hard), and been running a lot. It’s (FC Goa’s position on the table) not only surprising for us, but also for everyone else —Golmohammadi, Persopolis Coach on the eve of the match