Ratings: Dheeraj and Adil's efforts in vain as FC Goa bow out of ACL

It was a tough night for the Gaurs' all-Indian side, but there were a couple of inspirational displays.

Fielding an all-Indian side against Al Wahda was always going to be an uphill task for FC Goa. Goals from Omar Khribin and Mohammed Barqesh helped the UAE outfit down Clifford Miranda’s men in their final game of the AFC Champions League 2021 group stage.

Let’s take a look at how the FC Goa players performed on the night:

Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem – 7.0

The sensational young goalkeeper was once again at the peak of his form. Dheeraj saved FC Goa on one too many occasions (6) on the night. His one-on-one saves against Khalil Ibrahim in the 48th minute and Khribin in the 50th minute, were very crucial to keep FC Goa in the game. Unfortunately, a couple of knocks in the second half meant he had to be taken off in the 74th minute.

Seriton Fernandes – 6.5

Seriton was a lively figure in FC Goa's defence throughout the night, as he controlled the tempo of the game from the right flank. He often made his signature darting runs forward too. His four clearances, two tackles and 76% passing accuracy are a proof of how good a game he had.

However, his inability to clear the ball from dangerous areas turned out to be costly, as Al Wahda doubled their lead in the dying stages of the game. Apart from that, the skipper had a commendable night.

Adil Khan – 7.0

Adil Khan played a warrior’s game as he most often does, throwing himself into tackles fearlessly and making solid clearances. He made a crucial interception in the 40th minute to deny Al Wahda from scoring through a counter-attack.

Adil’s five clearances, three blocks, three clearances and a couple of tackles prove that he shouldered the responsibility of the entire defence.

Aiban Dohling – 6.5

Wasn’t tested much in the first 45 minutes, but was solid at times and kept his passes neat. Aiban Dohling too made three crucial interceptions in the second half and his 88% passing accuracy should certainly be taken into consideration. Overall, it was a fine debut in the AFC Champions League for the promising centre-back.

Sanson Pereira – 5.0

Sanson looked shaky in the first half and was often outplayed by Omar Khribin and Khalil Ibrahim on the left flank. The youngster could have been more clinical with his passes too.

The competition has given huge exposure to his talent and he can definitely use it in the future. Sanson was eventually substituted in the 69th minute after what was a rather dull night.

Amarjit Singh Kiyam – 6.5

Amarjit was solid in midfield right from the start, as he made a couple of crucial clearances in the defensive third. However, the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 starlet should focus on keeping possession better, as he lost the ball cheaply on a few occasions.

Glan Martins – 6.5

Glan Martins had an opportunity to score in the 38th minute, but his shot was blocked by the Al Wahda goalkeeper inside the box. Like Amarjit, Martins too lost possession on several occasions, at times even in dangerous areas.

In one such instance, Tim Matavz snatched the ball off him and assisted for Al Wahda's opening goal of the night. Otherwise, the midfielder distributed the ball well and maintained a good passing accuracy.

Alexander Romario Jesuraj – 5.5

The winger was often isolated on the right flank and couldn’t make much of an impact on the game. His meagre 15 touches in 74 minutes pretty much explain his performance on the night. Nevertheless, Alexander Jesuraj kept his markers busy.

Brandon Fernandes – 6.5

Enabled good progression of play in midfield with quick and short passes to maintain possession in the first half. However, Al Wahda dominated the majority of the game and Brandon was forced to play on his defensive feet.

Could’ve done better with his passes in the second half, as he lost possession very often. The promising midfielder should step up in such games where his team need him the most.

Redeem Tlang – 6.5

The winger played his part well on the night, as he marked opponents on his flank constantly. Redeem also kept his passing accuracy intact. He attempted a fantastic defence-splitting long pass to Sanson in the 42nd minute, but the defender failed to make the most out of it.

Ishan Pandita – 6.0

The striker showed intent right from the early minutes of the game, going all in for aerial duels. His constant pressing kept the Al Wahda defenders on their toes throughout the game.

Ishan Pandita could’ve used a creative midfielder to provide him with penetrating balls, but FC Goa were forced to play defensively at all times.

Substitutes:

Saviour Gama – 6.0

Came in for Redeem in the 55th minute and instantly slotted in to help break Al Wahda’s rhythm of play. He even performed four vital interceptions and a couple of tackles to keep the opposition at bay.

Naveen Kumar – 6-0

On for Dheeraj in the 69th minute. Naveen came at a phase in the game when Al Wahda were too strong for FC Goa. Nevertheless, he made a couple of very good reflex saves in the 73rd minute.

He was helpless when Al Wahda scored their second, as the deflection off Adil Khan was too big for him and he could only watch the ball hit the back of the net.

Makan Winkle Chothe – 6.0

On for Sanson in the 69th minute, Chothe reinvigorated a spirit in the Goa attack. He managed to draw a couple of fouls in the attacking half too.

Phrangki Buam – 5.5

Buam replaced Romario in the 74th minute and he too had to contribute more in defence than attack. He barely managed to get six touches of the ball and it was too late for him to make any significant impact on the game.

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