FC Goa vs AL Wahda: 5 key battles to watch out for

FC Goa is all set to play their second clash against UAE based club Al Wahda in the AFC Champions League. It was a good start for Juan Ferrando’s team as they stopped the mighty Al-Rayyan from scoring and ultimately ended on equal terms. Al Wahda lost against Persepolis FC in their first encounter
As Goa face UAE based Al Rayyan, it will be nothing short of an enthralling encounter as both sides would be vying to gain their first win. The match on Saturday will comprise moments to watch out for, hence FootballCounter takes a look at 5 key players who will have major roles to play in this fixture:
#1 Jorge Ortiz vs Lucas Pimenta-
FC Goa’s Jorge Ortiz will impose a significant threat against Al Wahda. With the absence of Igor Angulo and Alberto Noguera, the responsibility on Ortiz to deliver is much greater than ever.
The Spaniard had a praiseworthy ISL season, contributing six goals and two assists.
Even after being the youngest defender in the team, Lucas Pimenta’s contribution to Al Wahda’s defence is crucial. The 20-year-old has shown his quality in the Arabian Gulf League this year and is ready to give a tough fight to Jorge Ortiz on Saturday!
#2 Edu Bedia vs Omar Khribin-
Edu Bedia, who captained Goa and was one of the most influential midfielders in the ISL will be a player to watch out for. Bedia is a player who can score, assist and defend proficiently, and his versatility has led opponents to go haywire. One of the key contributions by Edu this year was his prolific passing rate, which has also led him to become the player who has completed the most passes in ISL Season 7.
The newest and most dominant midfield player of Al Wahda is Omar Khribin. His stats and offerings to the team have been outstanding; he has scored six times in just eight games. When Omar faces Edu, it remains to be seen who dominates the midfield.
#3 Ivan Gonzalez vs Tim Matavz-
Ivan Gonzalez will have to do the job he is good at, keeping the strikers away from scoring. The 31-year-old has time and again proved his mettle for the Gaurs and is expected to repeat the same against Al Wahda. His main target will be the dangerous Tim Matavz.
The top scorer for his team in the Arabian Gulf League with nine goals in 23 games this season is none other than Tim Matavz. The Slovenian can be a threat to any defence. Expectations will be high for him, to score and secure his team’s first win in the tournament.
#4 Brandon Fernandes vs Khalil Ibrahim Al-Hammadi-
The two attacking midfielders who are good at finding space and helping their team with goals and assists will be a great battle to watch.
Khalil Ibrahim, the captain and playmaker for the visitors, can team up with striker Tim Matavz and create huge issues for the opponent’s defence. He has five goal contributions this season in the domestic league. Whereas Brandon, also a complete team player, can thrash opponents with his perfect touches and passes!
#5 Ishan Pandita vs Fares Juma Al Saadi-
In the absence of their star goal scorer Igor Angulo, FC Goa’s young forward Ishan Pandita will try to step in his shoes. He had a fair season in ISL with four goals in 11 appearances.
But he will have to overcome Al Wahda’s most experienced defender, Fares Juma Al Saadi. The 32-year-old central defender has delivered when required, and he also contributes with goals and assists in addition to his defensive responsibilities.
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: I always wanted to coach in India and be a champion here – Vincenzo Annese
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
Ambernath United Atlanta FC secure thrilling comeback win in Hero 2nd Division debut
Ambernath United Atlanta FC pulled off a remarkable comeback in their debut match in the Hero 2nd Division, defeating Hyderabad FC (R) 2-1 at the Cooperage Stadium in Mumbai. The…
Fostering ISL dreams, RoundGlass Punjab becomes the first I-League Club to get promoted
Mohali, March 16th, 2023: RoundGlass Punjab FC are the Champions of Hero I-League 2022-23 and the first I-League Club to get promoted to the Indian Super League (ISL). RGPFC won the…
RoundGlass Punjab FC Announces Squad for Reliance Foundation Development League
Mohali, March 16, 2023: Hero I-League Champions RoundGlass Punjab FC has announced their preliminary squad for the upcoming Reliance Foundation Development League. The team will be competing in the regional…
ATK Mohun Bagan become Hero ISL Champions after thrilling win over Bengaluru FC
ATK Mohun Bagan held their nerves in a tightly contested Hero Indian Super League (ISL) Final as they beat Bengaluru FC 4-3 on penalties to lift the Hero ISL title…
Tactics and temperament to be tested as ATK Mohun Bagan takes on Bengaluru FC in Hero ISL 2022-23 title clash
An exhilarating Hero Indian Super League (ISL) season will crown its Champion as ATK Mohun Bagan takes on Bengaluru FC for the silverware at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa…
Hero 2nd Division / I-League Qualifiers
Hero 2nd Division League: FC Goa Dev Team go down to ARA FC
Goa, March 19, 2022: Despite looking good and showing signs of a comeback in the second half, the FC Goa Development Team couldn’t overcome a bug first half deficit against ARA…
Hero 2nd Division / I-League Qualifiers
FC Bengaluru United’s John Peter shares his insights on Hero 2nd Division I-League Qualifiers
FCBU are bringing out the talent in local boys” says Santosh Trophy winner, John Peter, ahead of the Hero 2nd Division I-League Qualifiers John Peter is having a year for…
Chelsea Football Club Legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink visits Mumbai and Conducts Coaching Clinic in Dharavi
Mumbai, 19th March 2023: Chelsea FC brought The Famous CFC to Mumbai this weekend, kickstarting a multi-city, global tour by the club. With a view to bring the club closer to…
Indian Football Team / Tri-Nation
Playing in Manipur a moment of joy for Blue Tigers, says Igor Stimac
Playing the two matches of the Hero Tri-Nation International Football Tournament in Imphal will be a joyous moment for the Blue Tigers, feels Senior Men’s National Team Head Coach Igor…
Shilji Shaji strikes hat-trick as India down Nepal in SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship opener
India’s U-17 team laid down the marker with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Nepal in the opening game of the 2023 SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship campaign on Monday, March 20,…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…
Sunday Boys to hold trials for MFA 1st Division
MFA 1st division side Sunday Boys FC will be conducting trials in the first week of November for the upcoming football season Sunday Boys Football Club was established in the…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
Millat FC to hold trials for MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC – a club plying their trade in MFA Elite Division will be conducting open trials for their upcoming 2022-23 season Last season Millat had a decent run in…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
MFA Elite Division club KSA to conduct trials for the upcoming season
Karnataka Sporting Association (KSA) – a club plying their trade in MFA Elite Division will be conducting open trials for their upcoming 2022-23 season Last season KSA had an amazing…
3rd Division / MDFA / Trials
Young Guns Football Acadmey to conduct trials for their upcoming MFA 3rd Division Campaign
MFA 3rd Division club Young Guns Football Academy will be conducting open trials on October 9th for their upcoming season in Mumbai Football Young Guns Football Academy was founded in…
OSCAR SSE to conduct trials for Youth I League and YPL team in the U13 category in Mumbai
Mumbai-based OSCAR SSE will conduct trials for their Youth I League and YPL team on 16th and 17th July 2022 at Wings Sports Centre ground. Oscar SSE is a 2-star…