Iran's Persepolis FC defeats FC Goa 2-1
FC Goa put up a spirited fight before going down 1-2 to Group E leaders Persepolis FC, bringing to an end the Indian club's unbeaten run in the AFC Champions League in Margao, Goa on Tuesday. This was FC Goa's first defeat in the group stage as Persepolis claimed their third straight win. Here are more details.
Edu Bedia helped FC Goa grab the lead
Quite remarkably, FC Goa grabbed the lead when Edu Bedia headed into the bottom right corner from the center of the box in the 14th minute. Bedia was assisted by Brandon Fernandes following a set piece situation. But the Indian club's joy was short-lived as Persepolis FC fought back strongly to not just equalize but also go ahead in the high-octane contest.
Torabi drew parity for Persepolis FC by converting a penalty
Persepolis FC, last season's runners-up in the Champions League, drew parity when Mahdi Torabi converted a penalty in the 18th minute. Soon enough, from a cross by Torabi following a corner, Seyed Jalal Hosseini unleashed a header from close range to put the fancied visitors ahead in the 24th minute at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Amarjit Singh replaced Adil khan in 29th minute
The Goans were forced to make an early substitution as Amarjit Singh replaced Adil Khan in the 29th minute because of an injury. Persepolis FC had a chance to extend their lead just before halftime, but FC Goa goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh saved a right-footed spot-kick by Hossein Kanaani after Ivn Gonz lez committed a foul in the danger zone.
FC Goa's effort to find an equalizer failed
Again before halftime, Singh made a brilliant save to deny the visitors. FC Goa's effort to find an equalizer through the second half, which included a few substitutions, did not bear fruit as they settled for a defeat.
Fares Juma secured a win over Qatar's Al Rayyan
FC Goa tried their best but that was not enough to secure them a third straight stalemate in their maiden appearance in the continent's top-tier league. FC Goa was placed in the third spot after Tuesday's result as Al Wahda's Fares Juma headed in with the final touch of their game to secure a dramatic 3-2 win over Qatar's Al Rayyan.
