PANAJI
FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez expressed confidence that their team will put up a good performance in AFC Champions League Two group stage.
The Gaurs had qualified for the main tournament that will feature 32 clubs across Asia, after scoring a hard fought 2-1 victory over Omani club Al Seeb last month at the Fatorda Stadium.
FC Goa has been placed in Group D, a tough group, which features Saudi giants Al Nassr, Al Zawraa SC from Iraq and Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol.
Ahead of FC Goa’s first game against Al Zawraa SC at Fatorda on Wednesday, coach Manolo Marquez expressed satisfaction that FC Goa has qualified for the group stage.
“It’s very important win for everyone, for the club, players, fans that FC Goa qualified for the group stage. Now, we can play and enjoy six very good games. We will try our best. We will have different possibilities in every game, “ he said.
Marquez further added, “It’s very important for the club to play in Asia every year. If you want to grow as a club, you need to qualify for continental competitions every season.”
FC Goa are at this stage due to their Super Cup triumph last season.
There is no doubt that Al Zawraa is a tough opponent having more experience than FC Goa at the Asian level, having competed in the AFC Champions League Elite group stage and AFC Champions League Two group stage on multiple occasions.
They are also a powerhouse in Iraqi football having won fourteen league titles, the most in the country.
Manolo is aware of this fact. “It will be a difficult game. They have very good players, very good foreigners, few national players in their side but both the teams will have possibilities of winning,” he said.
Goa go into the competition after playing just one competitive game this season, and it happened last month. But, Manolo isn’t worried.
“We played Mohun Bagan last week in a friendly match and it was a good game. We had a good training session and the preparation has been good,” he added.
For Al Zawraa, it will be their first competitive game this season on Wednesday against FC Goa.
Both the teams will fancy their chances.
