FC Goa vs Al Nassr: Three key players battles that can decide AFC Champions League Two game

Sandesh Jhingan and company will have their hands full against Al Nassr on Wednesday

FC Goa and Al Nassr will square up in an eagerly anticipated AFC Champions League Two clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Wednesday. Both clubs are on either end of the table, with this being a must-win game for the Gaurs.

While Cristiano Ronaldo is not travelling to India, Al Nassr still go into the game heavy favourites to claim all three points. They are currently on top of the Saudi Pro League and their Champions League Two standings and will be looking to continue their positive start.

While getting a result will not be easy for FC Goa, they will surely have the backing of the home fans to give them the additional boost. Here are three on-field battles that would decide the course of this match.

Sandesh Jhingan vs Joao Felix

The veteran Indian defender took over the captaincy at FC Goa after the departure of Odei Onaindia over the summer. Sandesh Jhingan is arguably the best in the country in his position, and his mettle would be truly tested against the Saudi Pro League side, who will be led in attack by Joao Felix.

Having scored 11 goals in 10 appearances for Al Nassr, it is safe to say Joao Felix will be the target man for the visitors. His move from AC Milan over the summer has paid its dividends, as the 25-year-old seems more confident than ever. Coming fresh off a hat-trick against Al Fateh, the Portuguese national team player will be smelling blood against the FC Goa defence.

Javier Siverio vs Inigo Martinez

This all-Spanish affair will be one to watch as Javier Siverio and Inigo Martinez will go up against each other all throughout the AFC Champions League Two game. Siverio joined FC Goa from Jamshedpur FC over the summer and scored on his debut to secure ACL2 qualification for the Gaurs.

On the other side of the spectrum, Inigo Martinez joined Al Nassr over the summer after winning the LaLiga, Spanish Super Cup, and Copa Del Rey with FC Barcelona. The defender has already become a fan favourite and a dependable player under Jorge Jesus in Saudi Arabia.

Inigo Martinez has kept six clean sheets in the ten games that he has played for Al Nassr. It has to be seen if Siverio and company can score past the Spaniard’s watchful eyes.

Also Read: FC Goa vs Al Nassr Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | AFC Champions League Two 2025-26

Boris Singh Thangjam vs Sadio Mane

With Cristiano Ronaldo absent, Sadio Mane will be the biggest name in the Al Nassr contingent that is travelling to India. The Senegalese international is a UEFA Champions League winner, and he has also won the league in both England and Germany.

Mane joined Al Nassr last season in 2023, and he has 41 goals and 28 assists in 106 appearances for the Saudi Pro League club in all competitions. His pace will be something that the FC Goa defenders would need to be wary about, and the responsibility to keep a check on Mane will mainly be on Boris Singh Thangjam.

The 25-year-old has become a regular under Manolo Marquez, and he played a key part in FC Goa’s Super Cup-winning campaign last season.

Boris Singh has 50+ appearances for the club and is in his third term with the Gaurs. Facing Mane would surely be his toughest challenge yet, and the FC Goa fans will certainly be hoping their youngster plays his socks off on Wednesday.

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