India is hosting the AFC Champions League group stage for the first time in Goa, with FC Goa set to take on Qatar’s Al Rayyan in the opening match on April 14.
We are ready! 💪🇮🇳#RiseAgain #FCGoaInAsia https://t.co/3xtw9wEp6H
— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) April 12, 2021
Panaji, April 12 (IANS) Indian Super League (ISL) team FC Goa head coach Juan Ferrando, said the AFC Champions League was on a par with some of the biggest continental tournaments, such as the UEFA Champions League and the Copa Libertadores, and his boys should make the most of this “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.
“(We are) very excited. This is one of the biggest competitions in the world alongside the likes of the UEFA Champions League and Copa Libertadores,” said Ferrando.
FC Goa is the first Indian team to have qualified for the AFC Champions League group stage after having lifted the ISL Winner’s Shield during the 2019-20 season. FC Goa is owned by Virat Kohli the same team.
“These are the kind of things you start playing football for. We (at FC Goa) are all very enthusiastic about (what) is to come and hope to make the country proud.”
The 40-year-old Spaniard believes that the tournament is a big opportunity for the whole nation to see one of its clubs move forward together, and cross swords with the top teams in the continent at present times.
“It’s a huge one, not only for FC Goa but also for the entire nation. This is an opportunity for our players to play against some of the biggest names in Asia. It not only will be beneficial for the club but also for the entire Indian footballing community.”
FC Goa is in fine form having secured another top-four finish in the ISL this season but lost out to Mumbai City FC in the semi-final.
After their clash facing Al Rayyan, FC Goa will take on last season’s runners-up, Iran’s Persepolis FC, and Al Wahda (UAE).
“My mindset is not to think about what we have done so far but always to think of what is left to do to get closer to our goals,” said Ferrando.
FC Goa deserves such opportunities undoubtedly and AFC coming to India is an occasion that comes rarely, FC Goa boys are excited and the whole of India will want that the team wins the tournament.
FC Goa ACL Squad Goalkeepers: Mohammad Nawaz, Naveen Kumar, Shubham Dhas, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem
Defenders: Sanson Pereira, Seriton Fernandes, Leander D’Cunha, Iván González (Spain), Mohamed Ali, James Donachie (Australia), Aibanbha Dohling, Saviour Gama, Adil Khan
Midfielders: Edu Bedia (Spain), Glan Martins, Princeton Rebello, Brandon Fernandes, Phrangki Baum, Redeem Tlang, Makan Winkle Chothe, Alexander Romario Jesuraj, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Romeo Fernandes
Forwards: Jorge Ortiz (Spain), Devendra Murgaonkar, Ishan Pandita
