FC Goa vs Al-Seeb Preview, team news, lineups & prediction | AFC Champions League Two playoffs

FC Goa secured a berth in the playoffs after winning the Super Cup, beating Jamshedpur FC.

FC Goa are aiming to secure qualification into the AFC Champions League Two group stages 2025-26 when they face off against Al-Seeb in their playoff qualifier clash at the Fatorda Stadium on Wednesday (13 August, 2025).

It’ll be an intimidating challenge for the Gaurs, who aim to start their campaign with a big win over the multi-time Oman league champions and book their place in the main rounds of the ACL Two.

The Stakes

FC Goa

FC Goa are actually set to play their first match of the 2025-26 season against Al-Seeb and it’ll be a challenging one for the Indian Super League (ISL) side. They earned a chance to qualify for the ACL Two by winning the 2025 Super Cup title, and Manolo Marquez aims to ensure that his side can get the job done.

FC Goa will need to take energy from their home support to produce an efficient and proactive performance, controlling the key areas properly and take up their chances ruthlessly.

A win for Goa will be a major boost for the Indian football scene as a whole, as it’ll help add another team to the ACL Two group stages alongside Mohun Bagan. A loss, however, would be a bitter start to the campaign for the Gaurs and cause an early setback they don’t want.

Al-Seeb

Al-Seeb are the reigning champions of the Oman Professional League and have won the league title in their country four times in the last six years. They boast some quality players and are representing their country in the Asian tournament, which makes this match an even bigger must-win one for them.

Al-Seeb will not be intimidated by the quality of the FC Goa players or their home-field advantage and aim to take the fight to them in this upcoming qualifier.

That means they’ll put up a tough fight and intimidate the Goa players with their slick attacking moves and defensive resolve. A win for Al-Seeb can be a statement of intent from the club to show how the Oman football season is evolving. A crushing loss, however, would be a setback for Al-Seeb’s hopes for fighting with the best in Asia.

Also Read: FC Goa AFC Champions League 2 playoff rival watch: Al Seeb

Team News

FC Goa have been able to name a strong squad for this upcoming clash, with new signings Javier Siverio, David Timor and Pol Moreno all being named in the squad.

Al-Seeb are not missing any major players with injury troubles and will be able to bring their strongest squad to India for this one.

Head-to-Head record

This will be the first-ever meeting between these two sides. Incidentally, it’ll also be the first time that FC Goa plays in an ACL Two playoff game.

Predicted Lineups

FC Goa (4-2-3-1):

Hritik Tiwari (GK), Boris Singh, Pol Moreno, Sandesh Jhingan, Aakash Sangwan, David Timor, Borja Herrera, Brison Fernandes, Iker Guarrotxena, Mohammed Yasir, Javier Siverio

Al-Seeb (4-2-3-1):

Ahmed Al-Rawahi (GK), Mohamed Al-Hatmi, Samer Al-Hatmi, Mohammed Al-Musalami, Saeed Al-Ghanbousi, Arshad Al-Alawi, Salim Al-Raisi, Salah Al-Yahyaei, Omar Al-Salti, Zahir Al-Aghbari, Abu Razzard Kamara

Players to Watch

Iker Guarrotxena (FC Goa)

Iker Guarrotxena played a key role in helping FC Goa earn the chance to qualify for the 2025-26 ACL Two. He was instrumental in their 2025 Super Cup title win, having scored four goals in as many games and helping them earn important wins. Guarrtoxena will now be aiming to replicate that kind of form against Al-Seeb and take control in the final third areas as well.

The Spaniard will need to be sharp with his off-the-ball movement and link-up play to help FC Goa break their opposition’s defensive resolve. He will also be keen on darting into the key positions in the final third and getting in empty spaces in the box to try and finish off chances clinically and raise Goa’s chances of getting a big win.

Salah Al-Yahyaei (Al-Seeb)

Salah Al-Yahyaei actually has the experience of playing in the AFC Champions League Two, having played in the tournament with Al-Khaldiya FC in the 2024-25 season. He made six appearances in the competition last season, providing two assists as well. Al-Yahyaei has only made four appearances for Al-Seeb so far, but has already scored a goal and provided one assist in that short period.

The 26-year-old will look to torment the FC Goa backline with his clever off-the-ball runs and dribbling ability. He will be aiming to dart into the danger areas and lose the mark of the opposition players to finish off chances ruthlessly and give his side an edge in this upcoming clash.

Did you know?

• FC Goa played in the 2021 AFC Champions League, finishing third in their group.
• Al-Seeb won the AFC Cup title back in 2022.
• FC Goa had the second-best defensive record in the ISL last season, conceding 27 goals from 24 games.

Telecast Details

The AFC Champions Two playoff qualifier between FC Goa and Al-Seeb will take place at the Fatorda Stadium, Goa, on Wednesday, 13 August 2025. The match will kick off at 7.30 PM IST.

Khel Now TV will be the exclusive broadcaster for this match, which will be available for FREE on Khel Now’s YouTube channel.

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