FATORDA, Goa, 23 October (H.S.): Midfielder Brison Fernandes etched his name in Indian football history on Wednesday, becoming the first Indian player to score in the AFC Champions League Two. However, his milestone goal was a bittersweet consolation as FC Goa succumbed to a narrow 1-2 defeat against Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al-Nassr at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Al-Nassr, managed by Jorge Jesus, demonstrated their quality with a blistering start, racing to a 2-0 lead within the first 30 minutes. Goals from Angelo Gabriel and Haroune put the visitors firmly in control. FC Goa, however, found a lifeline just before halftime.
In the 41st minute, Fernandes finished off a well-constructed move, assisted by Dejan Dražić, to halve the deficit and reignite hope for the home side.Despite a spirited and resilient performance in the second half, FC Goa could not find the crucial equalizing goal.
The team’s counter-attacking strategy lacked the necessary speed and precision to consistently trouble the opposition. Fernandes was the solitary creative threat, as fellow attackers like Muhammad Nemil, Borja Herrera, and Dejan Dražić struggled to make a significant impact against a physically imposing Al-Nassr defense.
The performance of FC Goa’s foreign contingent was a point of concern. The team’s offensive plans were disrupted when striker Javier Siverio was forced off with an injury just 24 minutes into the match. While Dražić provided the assist for the goal, he and other international players like David Timor and Pol Moreno were largely ineffective in their efforts to control the midfield and breach the Al-Nassr backline.
Many fans were left disappointed by the absence of football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, who was rested for the fixture. Reports suggested the decision was a precautionary measure due to concerns over the condition of the stadium’s pitch.
Al-Nassr, having secured an early advantage, managed the remainder of the game professionally to claim all three points.
Final Score: FC Goa 1 – 2 Al-Nassr
(Goal for FC Goa: Brison Fernandes 41’)
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
