FC Goa vs Al-Qadsia Player Ratings: Chiki shines, Lara and Udanta disappoint in AFC Challenge League 2026-27 clash

FC Goa’s continental journey comes to end after frustrating defeat in Hawally.

The Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium in Hawally, Kuwait, hosted the last game of Group C in the 2026-27 AFC Challenge League season. Kuwait’s Al-Qadsia locked horns with India’s FC Goa in what was set to be the group deciding clash.

It was now or never for the top seeded team in the group. The Gaurs, who have consistently been representing India in continental stages were on the verge of another early exit. To avoid that, a win was obligatory for the Gaurs.

But the game began in a frustrating manner as Moroccan striker Hamza Khabba broke the deadlock for the home side in just 10 minutes. Chiki, however wasted no time and put Goa level in to the game with his header in the 21st minute.

Before the end of the first half, Goa had momentum on their side and Gouramangi’s boys looked determined to clinch a historic quarter final berth. But the Moroccan striker scored a brilliant goal to get his second of the night and with 40 minutes to spare, Goa were trailing again.

It was a tale of missed chances for Goa, who kept creating chances but there were no end results. Ortiz was brought in late and Chiki had a golden opportunity in the dying seconds of the game.

But amidst what if Chiki scored and had Zalaya marked Khabba well, Goa lost the game 1-2, which brought an end to Goa’s campaign in the 2026-27 AFC Challenge League as they finish third in the group with three points & a goal difference of -1.

FULL-TIME | FC Goa 1-2 Al-Qadsia SC

A tough battle for the Gaurs, but not the result they wanted. Chiki’s equaliser gave FC Goa hope, but despite their efforts, they fall short against Al-Qadsia SC in the AFC Challenge League.#IndianFootball #AFCChallengeLeague #FCGoa pic.twitter.com/Co7FsIIsI5

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) October 23, 2026

FC Goa Player Ratings

Lara Sharma – 5.5/10

Lara could have done better to stop that first goal from Hamza Khabba. Both the defenders completely failed to mark the Moroccan striker, but Lara should have tracked the ball well and stopped it from going inside.

In the second goal, Lara could not have done much as Al-Qadsia restored their lead.

Udanta Singh – 6/10

Udanta contributed a lot offensively tonight from the wings. But during counter attacks, FC Goa left too much empty spaces for Al-Qadsia to come and exploit. Udanta had a tough time tracking back Ayoub Lakhdar, who got the better of the Indian full back tonight.

Sandesh Jhingan – 6.5/10

Jhinghan, an experienced centre back could have done better to mark Khabba, who scored an early goal. Indeed, it was never an easy job to intercept a series of attacks from the Kuwaiti side, but Jhinghan still could have done better tonight.

Alex Zalaya – 6.5/10

It was a big blunder from Zalaya, who could not mark Khabba properly. Rashed Al Dousari’s cross could also have been cleared well by Zalaya and the Moroccan striker intervened to break the deadlock early. Zalaya had the first touch from the corner and his header was deflected onto goal by Chiki.

Ronney Willson – 6/10

A frustrating performance form Willson tonight, who looked clueless when Al-Qadsia wingers came charging up the flanks. Wilson could simply stare the brilliance of the Moroccan striker after he scored his second goal as he took a free shot unmarked.

Harsh Patre – 5.5/10

Patre had a brilliant outing in the last game against Fortis. But tonight, he looked completely off colour and Bader Al Mutawa made an easy run in the build up to the second goal before Al Qadia restored their lead back in the game. He was later subbed off near the hour mark.

KC Malsawmsanga – 6/10

Malsawmsanga was prioritised to start tonight from the left flank after he impressed in the last game after coming on as a substitute. But there were hardly any creativity in the flanks from Malsawmsanga. Neither he created chances upfront for Feuillassier.

Álex Vallejo – 7/10

Vallejo offered defensive stability in the midfield to the Gaurs. He was deployed in the midfield, and he did a decent work tonight to hold his ground and anchor the team’s midfield properly alongside Harsh Patre, who failed to make an impact tonight.

Francisco Feuillassier – 7/10

The Argentine created too many chances tonight and had a decent game. He took a brilliant corner that was headed by Zalaya and was further converted into goal by Chiki.

Chiki – 8/10

Chiki scored the equaliser for FC Goa. He even scored the winner for Gaurs in the last game. He scored a brilliant header after Zalaya’s header was deflected. Overall, he had a decent game upfront and tried his best to bring FC Goa back into the game on several occassions. He came very close to score the equaliser in the dying seconds but missed an easy chance to grab a point.

Muhammed Nemil – 7/10

Nemil was deployed in the wings tonight after playing in the number nine role last game. He had a decent game in the flanks. His pace and agility created some trouble for Al-Qadsia and overall, Nemil impressed but had too many scope of improvements.

Substitutes

Haobam Singh – 6/10

Haobam was brought near the hour mark and was seen taking the set pieces and corners for FC Goa tonight, which couldn’t yield positive results as Goa kept trying to find an equaliser.

Jorge Ortiz – 6.5/10

Ortiz, who found his name on the scoresheet against Fortis, was brought in way too late for the game tonight. His arrival brought a renewed sense of urgency and purpose but there was not much to rejoice as FC Goa bowed out of the competition early.

Sitroy Carvalho – 6/10

Carvalho was brought in place of Franchu and despite being fresh as a sub, he seemingly looked slower to match the pace of the Kuwaiti wingers.

Haodamlian Vaiphei – 6/10

Vaipehi was brought in late to make a difference. But alas, Gouramangi’s side fell 2-1 against the Kuwaiti side.

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