Can FC Goa still qualify for AFC Champions League 2 knockouts after 2-0 defeat to Istiklol?

The Gaurs lost to Istiklol on matchday 2.

FC Goa would have anticipated the arduous nature of the challenge they would face in the AFC Champions League 2, but consecutive losses to start the campaign would still be a tough pill to swallow. After a loss on the first matchday at home against Al Zawraa, the Gaurs have conceded yet another defeat.

On the road, Goa clashed with FC Istiklol on Wednesday at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan. The hosts ran the show and finished it with a 2-0 score line in their favour to send the visitors back home empty-handed.

FC Goa at the bottom of Group D

After the defeat against the Tajik champions, Goa are now at the bottom of the points table in Group D. The Saudi Arabian giants, Al Nassr have claimed the top spot with six points after the first two games. They thrashed Istiklol with a 5-0 score line, followed by a gritty 2-0 victory against Al Zawraa.

The two sandwiched between Al Nassr and FC Goa are Istiklol and Al Zawraa. They are equal on points with a loss and a win in the first two games. But a superior goal difference has kept Al Zawraa marginally ahead of FC Istiklol.

Also Read: AFC Champions League Two Points Table: Updated Standings after FC Goa’s 2-0 defeat against Istiklol

Can FC Goa still qualify for the knockouts?

The top two teams from each group will make it to the knockouts after the completion of the group stage. The Gaurs are off to a disappointing start, and things are looking haywire for Manolo Marquez’s men currently. However, there are still chances of them making their presence felt in the AFC Champions League 2 knockouts.

FC Goa are yet to play four group stage fixtures. The two of them will be against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, and expecting even a point from these fixtures would be asking too much of the Indian club. But their hopes of qualification will remain alive if they win against Istiklol and Al Zawraa in the return leg.

With a prospective six points in six matches, they would also require support from other teams. If FC Goa can manage one point from the Al Nassr game and other results in the group go in their favour, then they have a chance of making it to the next round.

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