Panaji: India’s FC Goa suffered a defeat in the AFC Champions League Group D match. Goa lost 0-2 to Iraqi club Al Sawra in the match played at their home ground, the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Despite showing good performance throughout the game, Goa’s shortcomings in finishing were a setback. Both teams unleashed attacks from the start of the match. While a powerful shot by Al Sawra’s Mohammed Qasim hit the crossbar, a header by FC Goa’s Javier Siverio went over the goalpost. But just before the end of the first half, Al Sawra took the lead through a goal by Resiq Banihani. FC Goa tried repeatedly to equalize in the second half. But Goa could not break through Al Sawra’s defense. Ayush Chhetri and Siverio tested Al Sawra goalkeeper Jalal Hassan but he made some excellent saves to keep the team ahead. Nisar Al Rashdan scored in injury time to seal the win for Al Sawra.
