STRONG PERFORMANCE

The AFC champions League group stage match between UAE’S Al Wahda and Indian Super League club FC Goa was a very engrossing tie. Though the Indian side did face a few scares, it did extremely well in holding a team of great repute (“Al Wahda and FC Goa ACL match ends in a draw,” April 18, Gulf Today).

The performance of FC Goa, which is the first Indian club to ever make it to the group stage of the competition, has been very impressive so far. The Club coached by the talismanic Juan Ferrando began their journey by holding another top-flight club — the Qatari based Al-rayyan, again to a goalless draw. While the Indian boys are yet to open their account, I feel their performance in the opening two matches puts them in good stead against the Iranian side Persepolis, who they meet next.

The Champions league is top-tier tournament and FC Goa are certainly the underdogs. But, if the lads keep the momentum, it will be a historic tournament for India.

Ralph R By email