Al Wahda boss Henk ten Cate laments missed chances in draw with FC Goa

The Emirati club were not clinical enough and had to settle for only a point in their second AFC Champions League clash.

Al Wahda were held to a goalless draw by FC Goa on Matchday 2 in their AFC Champions League game at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The Abu Dhabi-based outfit were guilty of missing several chances in the game and remained at the bottom of the standings in Group E. After the game, Henk ten Cate lamented his side’s lack of cutting edge in the final third, as several chances, especially after the break, went begging.

On wasting chances

“You can say two things - they had a fantastic goalkeeper or we missed some easy chances,” said the 66-year old Dutch manager. “We had too many easy chances which we should’ve scored. Unfortunately, it’s just a draw.”

Omar Khribin wasted a good chance when he was unable to direct his headed attempt beyond Goa custodian Dheeraj Singh, despite being completely unmarked inside the box, before being denied by the 20-year old once again in stoppage-time. It summed up the Emirati club’s night, as Ten Cate’s men were not clinical in front of goal.

“In the first half, we were sloppy with passing but got better in the second half. However, we had 2-3 chances in that period and we scored none. That’s not good.”

Goan weather affecting players

The head coach also reflected on the unforgiving weather conditions in the country, as he feels that playing in the hot temperatures of Goa is taking a small toll on his players. “It’s affecting their body. They're losing a lot of sweat. The players are constantly drinking, but are left with no energy.”

Not yet out of competition

Al-Wahda remain winless after two games in the competition with just a point in the bag and languish at the bottom of their standings. But, Henk ten Cate is optimistic and feels his side are still in the game.

“We have to keep our heads up. We still have a chance. It was just a draw - we didn’t lose, we’re still in it. We still have four more games to play. So, hopefully, we’ll have more luck in the coming games," he signed off.

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