Top 3 Fortis FC players to watch out for in FC Goa's AFC Challenge League clash

FC Goa will face Fortis FC in the AFC Challenge League on 20th October .

Fortis FC, a Bangladeshi side competing in the country’s top tier, are disliked by many, even in their own country, for their rapid rise and direct entry into top-tier football without participating in the lower leagues. This season, they will represent Bangladesh in the 2026-27 AFC Challenge League.

They finished third in the 2025-26 Bangladesh Football League to secure qualification for the preliminary stage of the 2026-27 AFC Challenge League. They then defeated Muras United 1-0 to book their place in the main tournament.

Fortis FC are currently third in the league table and remain unbeaten after three games, with two wins and a draw. They have scored a massive 15 goals in those three matches, demonstrating why they are such a threat in the title race this season.

However, they received a reality check in their opening game of the 2026-27 AFC Challenge League, where they were thrashed 3-0 by Al Qadsia SC in Kuwait.

Next, they face FC Goa, who squandered three points against Regar-TadAZ in their opening game. Despite leading 1-0 for 85 minutes, the Gaurs suffered a dramatic 2-1 defeat by the time the referee blew the final whistle.

Gouramangi Singh and his side now need a win at all costs if they want to keep their hopes of reaching the next round alive. To achieve that, here are three players they must keep an eye on against Fortis FC.

Pa Omar Babou

The captain of Fortis FC, Pa Omar Babou, has made 60 appearances for the club and registered 50 goal contributions, making him the most important part of their attacking structure. He can operate as an attacking midfielder, centre-forward or second striker, showcasing his versatility in attack.

This season, he has featured in all three of Fortis FC’s Bangladesh Football League games, scoring five goals and registering four assists. He has therefore contributed to nine of their 15 goals, accounting for almost 60% of their total goal tally.

He also assisted the crucial goal that helped Fortis FC defeat Muras United and qualify for the 2026-27 AFC Challenge League group stage.

Babou possesses great acceleration in one-on-one situations, using his burst of pace to get past opponents. He is also a technically gifted dribbler with a strong presence in the final third.

Noriki Akada

A Japanese midfielder signed by the Bangladeshi side ahead of the 2026-27 Bangladesh Premier League season, he has already shown what he can bring to the team in the 130-odd minutes he has played so far. He has scored three goals and effortlessly linked the defence with the attack, playing a crucial role in midfield.

He is not a traditional number six who relies on hard tackles and interceptions. Instead, he is known for breaking up play through his intelligent positioning and ability to recover the ball in the middle of the park.

Although he starts in midfield, he poses a significant goal threat, often making runs into and around the edge of the box to score goals and register assists.

Mohammad Ibrahim

Ibrahim is a Bangladeshi international who has made more than 40 appearances for the national team. A veteran of the Bangladeshi league, he joined Fortis FC ahead of the start of the season.

He has already proved his value to the team, scoring three goals and registering two assists in the league so far. He was also instrumental in securing Fortis FC’s place in the 2026-27 AFC Challenge League, scoring the winner against Muras United FC.

An attacking midfielder who can drift out to the wings, Ibrahim has the ability to create chances and play a significant role in the build-up. Comfortable using both feet, he can deliver dangerous crosses from the flanks – something FC Goa’s full-backs must be wary of.

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