Having impressed in the AFC Champions League so far, India’s FC Goa will walk out at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda to face Iran’s Persepolis FC in their next match on Tuesday.
The Iranians finished as the runners-up in the last edition of the ACL and are the overwhelming favourites in Group E to clinch the only automatic spot to the Round of 16.
Led by World Cupper Jalal Hosseini, Persepolis have started the competition well winning both their matches so far. Persepolis, in fact, are on a five-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
Persepolis first managed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Al Wahda in their AFC Champions League opener and then came from behind to beat Al Rayyan 3-1 in their second tie.
FC Goa’s performance in the AFC Champions League too has been commendable. Kicking off their maiden continental competition as the rank outsider, the Juan Ferrando-coached side has punched above its weight and earned two points from two goalless games so far.
“It is important to score goals,” said FC Goa head coach Juan Ferrando. “But at the same time it is difficult. We are going to face a very tough team in Persepolis. We are taking things one step and one game at a time.
“The only way for us to improve as FC Goa is to play in this competition and face these tough opponents like Persepolis, Al Wahda and Al Rayyan. The exposure we get will help us develop further and Indian football as well.”
FC Goa’s Alexander Romario Jesuraj will miss the match after the winger picked up a booking in each of his last two games.
Where to watch Persepolis vs FC Goa live in India?
The Persepolis vs FC Goa match will be telecast live at 10:30 PM IST (20th April) on the Star Sports 3 TV channel in India.
Live streaming of Persepolis vs FC Goa in India will be available on Disney+ Hotstar and Jio TV.
FC Goa team for AFC Champions League 2021
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 Buam, Redeem Tlang, Makan Winkle Chothe, Alexander Romario Jesuraj, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Romeo Fernandes
Forwards: Jorge Ortiz (Spain), Devendra Murgaonkar, Ishan Pandita
Standing
