Three FC Goa players to watch out for in AFC Champions League 2 away fixture against Al Nassr

Brison Fernandes scored in the reverse fixture when FC Goa and Al Nassr met in Goa last month.

FC Goa are on the brink of elimination from the AFC Champions League 2 fixture. The Gaurs are yet to get a point after three group games, and another draw or loss will confirm their elimination from the competition.

Although the chances of progressing are slim, their last match against Al Nassr brought many positives for FC Goa.

The Indian Super League side was expected to be hammered by the Saudi Pro League leaders. However, the Gaurs fought until the last minute, losing 2-1 at the Fatorda Stadium, winning the admiration of their opponents.

The two sides are set to square up once again at the Al Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh on Wednesday. Here are the three players who can leave their mark on the game as FC Goa look to pull off an upset in Saudi Arabia.

Brison Fernandes

One player that deserves a mention on this list is definitely Brison Fernandes. The Goan footballer scored against Al Nassr in the reverse fixture, in what was FC Goa’s first goal in the AFC Champions League Two this season.

While the 24-year-old has had a quiet AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 campaign, his goal against Al Nassr should definitely not be counted as a “one-off effort”. Under Manolo Marquez, Brison Fernandes scored seven goals in 24 ISL games last season and was the second-highest Indian goalscorer behind Sunil Chhetri.

Manolo Marquez has repeatedly spoken about Brison’s skills and football abilities in press conferences. However, it has to be seen if the coach gives the youngster a place in the starting XI or starts him on the bench in Saudi Arabia.

Sandesh Jhingan

Playing at home, Al Nassr’s approach to their AFC Champions League Two game would be simple – find an early goal and put the pressure on FC Goa. Jorge Jesus’ side will ideally want to score 2-3 goals and kill the game in the first half.

With Al Nassr expected to boss the possession and take the majority of the shots, FC Goa’s Pol Moreno and Sadesh Jhingan will be tested throughout the game. While it is unlikely that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will play, there is a slight chance that Jhingan and his teammates may go up against Cristiano Ronaldo.

Jhingan had a busy game against Al Nassr at the Fatorda Stadium last month. He made 15 clearances, 2 tackles, 1 block, and 1 recovery in the 90 minutes and was dribbled past just once. Manolo Marquez would be expecting similar grit and determination from his captain once again.

Dejan Drazic

The forward is in good form, having scored two goals in the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 to help FC Goa win their group. Dejan Drazic also registered the assist for Brison Fenandes’ goal against Al Nassr in the reverse fixture.

The Serbian was rested in Goa’s 2-1 loss to NorthEast United, a clear indication that he would be starting in the club’s AFC Champions League Two fixture in Saudi Arabia. He can play on the left wing or as a center-forward, something that would let Manolo Marquez also fit Brison into the starting XI on Wednesday.

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