Top 3 Regar-TadAZ players to watch out for in FC Goa's AFC Challenge League clash
FC Goa are ready to put their feet on the continental stage
Following a disappointing end to their AFC Champions League Two preliminary-stage campaign, where FC Goa lost 3-0 to FK Arkadag, the Gaurs are all set to feature in the 2026-27 AFC Challenge League, the third tier of Asian club football, against Regar-TadAZ.
Unlike East Bengal, who are participating in the AFC Champions League Two, the Gaurs have already begun their 2026-27 ISL campaign, salvaging a point after coming from behind against Chennaiyin FC. They will now travel to Kuwait for the AFC Challenge League 2026-27 group stage, where they will play three games in seven days, completing all their group-stage fixtures in one go.
Their first opponents will be Regar-TadAZ, who compete in the Vysshaya Liga, the top tier of Tajikistanโs football pyramid. They qualified for the AFC Challenge League 2026-27 qualifiers after winning the 2025 Tajikistan Cup and subsequently secured their place in the group stage by defeating Maziya SR&C.
Under head coach Alisher Tukhtaev, Regar-TadAZ have established themselves firmly in the Vysshaya Liga title race, currently leading FC Istiklol by three points, with their rivals having a game in hand.
They head into the clash against FC Goa in a rich vein of form, having won their last two league games. They are expected to pose a tough challenge for Gouramangi Singh and his side in the opening fixture of Group C.
Here are three players who could give the Gaurs a tough outing with their individual brilliance and technical abilities on the ball.
Ndongo Foe
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
Signed ahead of the 2026-27 AFC Challenge League campaign, Ndongo made his debut for the club in the qualifying game against Maziya SR&C and played a crucial role in helping his side preserve a clean sheet.
He is a physically imposing defender who is strong in the air and resolute when competing in defensive duels. He can also operate as a right-back or defensive midfielder when required, offering valuable versatility both in and out of possession.
Since joining the club, he has established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet. Regar-TadAZ have kept six clean sheets in their last eight games across the league and the AFC Challenge League since his debut.
Also Read: FC Goa Complete squad for ISL 2026-27 season
Edimo Kingue
Another Cameroonian addition brought in to strengthen Regar-TadAZ ahead of the AFC Challenge League, Kingue operates in the middle of the park. Like Ndongo, he joined the club ahead of the qualifying round and has made a strong impression since his arrival.
He has featured in every game for the club since joining, starting the last six and completing the full 90 minutes in each. The 22-year-old is an excellent ball-winner in midfield, with the ability to drive forward and make his presence felt in the final third.
His only league assist for Regar-TadAZ so far came against Vakhsh, where he drove forward with the ball before delivering a dangerous cross from the left flank towards Manuel Joseph Mbollo, who finished from the center of the opposition box. He also got an assist to his name in his six-minute cameo against Maziya SR&C in the qualifiers.
Azizbek Khaitov
Khaitov is a versatile player who is comfortable on the left wing but also tends to drift into central areas. Head coach Alisher Tukhtaev has used him extensively on the left flank this season.
He is regarded as one of Tajikistanโs highly rated young talents, having featured consistently across the countryโs youth teams before recently making his senior international debut in a friendly against China.
He has either scored or assisted six of Regar-TadAZโs 25 league goals this season, including scoring in their most recent league victory. He also registered an assist in the 2026-27 AFC Challenge League qualifier against Maziya SR&C.
With FC Goa lacking a recognized right-back, and Akash Singh still gaining experience at senior level after struggling against Chennaiyin FCโs wingers in the ISL opener, Gouramangi Singh must devise a specific plan to contain Khaitov and his movement and threat from the left flank.
Who is the head coach of Regar-TadAZ?
Regar-TadAZ are currently managed by former Tajik international and midfielder Alisher Tukhtaev, who also represented the club during his playing career
Which position does Edimo Kingue play?
Regar-TadAZ midfielder Edimo Kingue plays in the midfield with defensive midfield being his preferred position.
How did Regar-TadAZ qualify for the AFC Challenge League 2026/27?
Regar-TadAZ qualified for the AFC Challenge League 2026/27 after winning the 2025 Tajikistan Cup and subsequently won the qualifiers against Maziya SR&C.
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