Al Wahda aim to continue winning run in ACL group stage finale

UAE’s Al Wahda of UAE will seek nothing less than three points when they face India’s FC Goa on Matchday Six in Group E of the 2021 AFC Champions League at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday.

Al Wahda have grown in strength since losing their first match against Iran’s Persepolis FC 1-0 and then being held 0-0 by FC Goa. The Abu Dhabi-based side bounced back nicely with consecutive wins against Qatar’s Al Rayyan and stunned Persepolis in the reverse fixture.

FC Goa have done well, holding Al Rayyan (twice) and Al Wahda against two defeats against Persepolis in their debut AFC Champions League campaign, but they will be hoping to bow out of the tournament with their heads held high when they take on Emirati.

The top Indian club’s chances of making it to the knockout round of the premier continental tournament have evaporated following three stalemates and consecutive defeats against Iran’s footballing powerhouse.

The Juan Ferrando-coached side -- who have three points in Group E -- would look to at least have one consolation victory under their belt when they play in their last outing.

With Persepolis expected to win the group, Al Wahda are hoping to advance as one of the three best runners-up and defeating FC Goa will take Henk ten Cate’s side to 13 points.

Al Wahda will, however, be without captain Ismail Matar and several other key players due to suspension but having seen his side record three consecutive wins, ten Cate will surely get his team ready for yet another supreme effort.

“It’s the last game for this group and even though the players are tired, I’m really looking forward to this match,” said ten Cate. “We’ve been playing in this competition with this bubble for three weeks. It’s not easy but we are managing thanks to the people here in India.”

“So we want to win but it will not be an easy game tomorrow as we have a couple of players suspended. It will be hard because FC Goa are still in search of their first win and they will do everything to get the three points.

“We must not allow them to win the game. We want to qualify into the next round, It’s what we came here for and hopefully we will succeed.

“We are finally playing in a late kick-off here in Goa and that means we will know the result of the Persepolis match. For me it’s not really an advantage but for the players it is because it will allow them some time to have proper refreshments during this Ramadan.”

FC Goa were denied a historic AFC Champions League victory when they conceded late in the game against Al Rayyan on Matchday Five but have won many admirers with their positive approach.

Ferrando’s side have two points from five matches and ending the campaign with a win would be a perfect takeaway.

“Our plan is to be competitive and collect the three points tomorrow,” said Ferrando. “It may not be an easy task considering the recovery of our players but we must keep our concentration and perform.”

“Finishing third in the group of the AFC Champions League is not an easy task. As the head coach I’m proud of what my players and coaching staff have done so far.

“In the end the most important is to take the best decisions on the field tactically and hope that it will play in your favour. The key is staying focused and putting our best team forward.

“These players are mentally strong in managing pressure so I think if I’ve substituted them in a previous match, there is no problem in their performance for the next match. I don’t see my players losing confidence. The target in every match and tomorrow is going to be the same.”