Three FC Goa players who can create impact against Al Zawraa in ACL 2 clash

FC Goa are making their return to Asia after four years.

FC Goa will embark on their Asian journey on Wednesday as they lock horns with Iraq’s Al Zawraa SC in their opening AFC Champions League 2 fixture this season. This is the first time in four years that FC Goa will be playing a continental fixture. They last featured in the AFC Champions League (now known as AFC Champions League Elite) in 2021, which marked their first-ever Asian appearance.

The defending Super Cup champions are placed in Group D alongside Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, Istiqlol from Tajikistan, and Al Zawraa SC. The opening fixture at home is a great opportunity for the Gaurs to begin their campaign on a positive note. In this article, we will take a look at three FC Goa players who can have a decisive impact on the game.

Also Read: Know FC Goa AFC Champions League Two Rival: Al Zawraa SC

Javier Siverio

Several questions were raised when Manolo Marquez signed the former Jamshedpur FC striker, Javier Siverio, before the season started for FC Goa. The Spaniard is not a stranger to Indian Football and has been playing in the Indian Super League since 2021, but has never had a groundbreaking season. He has not yet touched the double-digit mark in terms of goals in a single season.

However, Siverio started his FC Goa stint with a statement performance against Al Seeb, forcing the doubters to reconsider their opinion about him. He scored a brilliant goal to extend Goa’s lead, which later proved to be decisive. His presence in the final box will matter a lot to Manolo Marquez. All that the Spanish manager would expect from Siverio is the clinical conversion of goal-scoring chances.

Dejan Drazic

Dejan Drazic is one of the primary reasons FC Goa are playing in the ACL 2 group stage this season. The Serbian produced a masterclass of a performance in the ACL 2 playoff fixture against Oman’s Al Seeb. He scored the opening goal for the Gaurs against the run of the play to stun the opposition.

Drazic will be the main for FC Goa on the left wing. His blazing runs on the wing will be crucial to break a resolute Al Zawraa defense. In the advanced areas of the pitch, FC Goa’s performance would largely depend on how Dejan Drazic performs and links up with other attacking players.

Pol Moreno

Pol Moreno is another new signing for the Gaurs, and he seems to be fitting into the setup perfectly. In the absence of Sandesh Jhingan, Moreno’s role will be crucial in the defense for FC Goa. He was also one of the standout performers for the club against Al Seeb in the ACL 2 playoff round.

Moreno paired up with Sandesh Jhingan to prevent Al Seeb from scoring more than one goal in what was a dominant performance from the Omani club. However, this time, Sandesh will not be there to assist Moreno. The 31-year-old centre back will have to play with a new partner. His experience would come in handy to adapt and keep the Goan defense intact. He has an assertive stature, which reflects in immaculate defensive gameplay. He will be one of the most crucial factors in the opening fixture against Al Zawraa.

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