FC Goa return to AFC Champions League 2 with 2-1 win over Al Seeb
India’s FC Goa sealed their place within the AFC Champions League Two 2025–26 group stage with a 2-1 victory over reigning Omani champions Al Seeb Membership on the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Wednesday. It marked their first look on the continental stage since 2021, after they turned the primary Indian membership to play within the AFC Champions League group stage.
The Gaurs certified for the preliminary conflict by successful the Kalinga Tremendous Cup final season. Head coach Manolo Marquez, who returned to the membership after his stint with the Indian nationwide group, named a full-strength facet, beginning all six international signings, together with debutants Pol Moreno, David Timor, and Javier Siverio.
Regardless of Al Seeb dominating early possession, Goa seemed threatening from set-pieces. The breakthrough got here within the twenty fourth minute when Serbian ahead Dejan Drazic latched onto an extended move in his personal half, skipped previous the onrushing goalkeeper with a deft contact, and chipped the ball over a retreating defender from the sting of the field.
The guests almost equalised on the stroke of half-time when Al Sulaiman Al-Busaidi’s highly effective free-kick flashed throughout aim however missed a decisive contact. Goa held their slender lead into the break.
Seven minutes into the second half, Drazic’s mazy run compelled a nook. From the quick routine, Borja Herrera delivered a pinpoint cross for Siverio, who rose highest to move residence on debut and make it 2-0.
Al Seeb hit again on the hour mark when Al-Busaidi minimize the ball again from the byline for Nasser Al-Rawahi to calmly slot in. The Omani facet pressed for an equaliser, however Goa’s defence, marshalled by Moreno, stayed compact.
Goa had probabilities to revive their two-goal cushion — Udanta Singh’s 71st-minute header was blocked, whereas Siverio missed narrowly within the 81st. In stoppage time, a frantic goalmouth scramble and harmful set-pieces examined the hosts, however they held on to say a historic win.
The outcome sees FC Goa be a part of Mohun Bagan Tremendous Big within the AFC Champions League Two group stage — Asia’s second-tier membership competitors beneath the AFC Champions League Elite.
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