FC Goa's AFC Champions League Two 2025-2026 campaign end with a loss against Istiklol

FC Goa finished at the bottom of the table with zero points.

FC Goa wrapped up their AFC Champions League Two 2025–26 campaign with a 2-1 home defeat against Tajikistan champions Istiklol FC, finishing bottom of Group D with zero points. While the results column remained unforgiving, the Gaurs’ continental journey offered moments of promise amid growing uncertainty surrounding Indian football.

Goa’s run in Asia’s second-tier club competition turned into a story of near-misses. Encouraging home performances against sides like Al-Zawraa and Al-Nassr showed intent and quality, yet those displays never translated into points. Wednesday’s final group-stage match at Fatorda came with added tension, as players and staff remained unsure about when—or if—they would regroup due to the unresolved ISL 2025–26 situation.

Bright start, costly collapse

Despite missing several key players through suspension, injury, and departures, FC Goa started confidently. Dejan Dražić lit up the first half with a stunning right-footed strike, giving the hosts belief that their first points were within reach. Iker Guarrotxena and Dražić both had chances to extend the lead, but Istiklol goalkeeper Nikola Stošić stood firm.

However, the second half flipped the narrative. A defensive error allowed Paul Komolafe to equalise in the 53rd minute, before Amirbek Juraboev converted a penalty just three minutes later to complete the turnaround. Goa struggled to recover despite Istiklol being reduced to 10 men late on.

Dražić, Nemil Valskis, Boris Singh, and substitute Brison Fernandes provided attacking spark and energy. In contrast, defensive lapses from Harsh Patre and Prachit Vishwas proved costly on a night where margins were thin but decisive.

Istiklol win, yet fall short

Istiklol showed resilience to come back from an early setback and seal the win, but the victory was not enough to secure qualification. They finished level on points with Al-Zawraa but missed out due to an inferior goal difference, leaving mixed emotions for the Tajikistan champions.

The night also carried symbolic weight as FC Goa players staged a brief on-pitch protest at kick-off, highlighting the ongoing MRA impasse between AIFF and ISL clubs. As reigning AIFF Super Cup holders, Goa can take pride in their fight and continental exposure, even as concerns over the domestic calendar loom large.

For Manolo Márquez and his squad, this chapter ends with frustration, pride, and uncertainty but also with the hope of returning stronger in Asia in the 2026–27 season.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.