Late goal denies FC Goa first victory

Margao, April 27

FC Goa conceded an 89th-minute goal to squander the chance to become the first Indian club to win a match in the prestigious AFC Champions League (ACL) as they played out a 1-1 draw with Al Rayyan of Qatar here on Monday.

Jorge Ortiz gave FC Goa the lead in the third minute of the Group E match but Ali Ferydoon equalised with just a minute left in regulation time. Al Rayyan had the majority of possession in the first half but it was an even contest in the second session.

“It is difficult when you lose in the last minute,” Goa head coach Juan Ferrando said. “But the truth is that we are playing against very good teams,” he added.

Goa play their last pool match against Al Wahda on Thursday. “Of course, we need to improve. There are some injuries, and it is difficult to prepare,” Ferrando said. — PTI