Goa, Sept. 17 -- Team Herald

sports@herald-goa.com

MARGAO: Al Zawraa SC underlined their pedigree with a clinical 2-0 victory over FC Goa in the AFC Champions League, at the Nehru stadium on Wednesday.

The Iraqi side struck once in each half, Rezio Mohammed Banihani breaking the deadlock in the 44th minute before Nizar Alrashdan sealed the win deep into stoppage time.

Goa began brightly, almost striking first when Javier Servrio Toro's 7th-minute header flashed wide, moments after Mohammed Qasim Majio spurned a chance at the other end. Urged on by a raucous Fatorda crowd, the Gaurs matched their experienced opponents but were undone by a defensive lapse that allowed Banihani to slot home just before the interval.

The hosts pressed re...