FC Goa to play India U23 in friendly ahead of ACL 2 preliminary round match

FC Goa are preparing for a new challenge in the AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 Qualifier.

Indian Super League side FC Goa are once again ready to prove themselves on the Asian stage. This team, which reached the Preliminary Round of the AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 by winning the Super Cup, will now face Omani side Al Seeb for a spot in the tournament.

According to reports, ahead of the crucial match, the team will play a practice match against the India U23 Men’s Football team in Bengaluru on 6 August 2025 (Wednesday). It is expected that this match will give the players a chance to get into rhythm.

The team, which is full of confidence after defeating Jamshedpur FC in the Super Cup final, are now also looking to continue their progress under Manolo Márquez, who has signed on to continue as head coach of the club for the 2025-26 season.

Also Read: ISL side FC Goa to rope in David Timor, Pol Moreno & Javier Siverio before ACL 2

FC Goa prepare for Al Seeb clash at home

FC Goa will have a golden opportunity to make their mark in continental football as they take on Oman’s Al Seeb in the AFC Champions League 2 preliminary round on August 13 at the Fatorda Stadium.

The newly introduced ACL Two features 29 clubs from across the continent, with the group stage accommodating 16 teams from each region.

Al Seeb, who recently clinched their fifth Oman Professional League title, will pose a strong challenge, but with home advantage and momentum on their side, FC Goa will aim to grab this rare chance to compete on the Asian stage—where even top clubs like Al Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo are expected to feature.

India U23 football team gear up for AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers

On the other hand, the India U23 team are preparing for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers to be held in September.

The Indian national football team has been drawn in Group H alongside Qatar, Bahrain, and Brunei for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers. India will play all their matches in Doha between September 1 and 11.

The final tournament is scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to 25. India, meanwhile, will be aiming to qualify for the AFC U23 Asian Cup for the first time in their history.

Also Read: Who will India play in AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers?

Both sides can benefit from this game

The practice match will give FC Goa a great opportunity to understand the fitness and coordination of the players in their squad. On the other hand, In such a situation, the match against FC Goa will give the youth the experience of high-standard football.

This will also increase their confidence and match awareness. Coaches will get time to try options, and analysis of the past moments of the match can open the way for better performance in the upcoming competition.

Overall, this friendly will not only give direction to FC Goa’s Asian campaign but will also give India U23 a perfect feel of the ground and atmosphere for the big matches. Indian football lovers can expect to see an exciting clash, which will lay a strong foundation for future clashes.

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