FC Goa’s Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Al-Seeb has written a golden chapter in Indian football history. The victory in the qualifier means FC Goa will join Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the main round of the Asian Champions League Two. This is the first time two Indian clubs will be part of Asia’s new second-tier competition.
At a time when Indian football is going through a challenging phase, this win comes as a huge boost. Recently, the women’s national team earned a place among Asia’s elite, and now FC Goa has matched that achievement at the club level.
After the match, defender Sandesh Jhingan expressed his joy in a quick chat with the official broadcaster Khel Now TV.
“We had to grind it out, but we are going to the Asian Champions League Two and I am excited,” he said after FC Goa’s Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Al-Seeb.
Drazic and Herrera Lead the Charge
The foundation of FC Goa’s Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Al-Seeb was a combination of tactical discipline and standout performances. Dejan Drazic and Borja Herrera played key roles in both goals. Facing an Al-Seeb team that had nine players from the Oman national side, FC Goa knew they had to be sharp.
On a heavy pitch, the first goal came in the 24th minute. Herrera spotted Al-Seeb’s high defensive line and delivered a precise long pass to Drazic. Showing both courage and skill, Drazic lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper to give FC Goa the lead, completely against the run of play.
In the 53rd minute, FC Goa doubled their advantage. Herrera once again was the creator, dribbling past defenders and finding Javier Siverio inside the box. Siverio finished with confidence, making it 2-0 in FC Goa’s Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Al-Seeb.
However, Al-Seeb fought back. In the 61st minute, Nasser Sultan Al-Rawahi scored to make it 2-1. The last half-hour was intense, with Goa defending deep and using clever game management to hold on to their lead.
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Drama, Missed Chances, and a Historic Finish
FC Goa’s Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Al-Seeb had its share of tense moments. In the 43rd minute, Drazic handled the ball, and it initially looked like a penalty for Al-Seeb. But after consulting his assistant, Chinese referee Zhang Lei changed it to a free-kick outside the area. Replays suggested the handball might have been inside, but Goa escaped without conceding.
Al-Seeb targeted FC Goa’s full-backs, Aakash Sangwan and Boris Singh, using players like Zahir Sulaiman, Ali Al-Busaidi, and Salaah Al Yahyaei to create chances. However, their final pass often let them down.
The second goal in FC Goa’s Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Al-Seeb came after a corner that Drazic won by cutting inside from the left. From the set-piece, Herrera curled a beautiful cross with the outside of his boot. Siverio met it with a header after goalkeeper Ahmed Al-Rawahi failed to collect the ball.
Even in the 81st minute, FC Goa could have extended their lead when Siverio got a clear sight at goal, but his shot went wide. Still, the two goals scored earlier were enough to secure the historic win.
Coach Manolo Marquez, who has faced a tough few months as India’s national coach, praised his players for their effort in FC Goa’s Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Al-Seeb.
“They are a fantastic side, but we were also dangerous when we arrived in the box,” he said with satisfaction.
Key Moments from FC Goa’s Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Al-Seeb:
- 24th minute: Drazic scores with a classy lob after Herrera’s perfect pass.
- 43rd minute: Handball scare for FC Goa, but penalty overturned to a free-kick.
- 53rd minute: Siverio makes it 2-0 after another superb Herrera assist.
- 61st minute: Nasser Sultan Al-Rawahi pulls one back for Al-Seeb.
- 81st minute: Siverio misses a chance to seal the game.
FC Goa’s Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Al-Seeb will be remembered for years to come. Not only did it secure a place in the Asian Champions League Two, but it also proved that Indian clubs can compete and win against strong Asian teams.
With both FC Goa and Mohun Bagan Super Giant set to represent India, the upcoming tournament promises to be exciting. The hard work, discipline, and teamwork shown in FC Goa’s Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Al-Seeb give hope that more such victories are possible in the future.
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