Top five FC Goa players to watch out for against Al-Seeb in ACL Two Playoffs

FC Goa roped in Pol Moreno, David Timor and Javier Siverio ahead of this all-important clash.

FC Goa will be looking to qualify for the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two when they host Al Seeb in their playoff qualifier clash at the Fatorda Stadium, Goa, on Wednesday (August 13). This crucial continental match, which will be shown exclusively on Khel Now’s YouTube channel for free, has a lot riding on the stake for both teams.

The Gaurs are aiming to qualify for the ACL Two for the first time, having played in the AFC Champions League in the past. However, Manolo Marquez’s side will face a stern test against the 2024-25 Oman Professional League champions, who have won the league title four times since 2019. That means every single player has to step up for FC Goa and produce a decisive performance to help them book a place in the ACL Two.

Fortunately for Marquez, he’s been able to name a pretty strong squad for this game, and that includes some new signings too. He’ll need his important players to click in this first match of the 2025-26 season for Goa to join Mohun Bagan in the ACL Two. Here we look at the five FC Goa players to watch out for in the Al-Seeb game.

5. Brison Fernandes

Brison Fernandes had a memorable 2024-25 season for FC Goa, breaking through the ranks to torment the teams in the Indian Super League (ISL). The 24-year-old winger scored seven goals and provided two assists in 24 games, winning the Emerging Player of the Season award for his heroics too.

Now, it’s time for Brison to take a step forward in his career and prove his quality against foreign teams at the continental level.

Fernandes can cause trouble for the Al-Seeb defenders with his blistering speed and clever movement, helping stretch their backline and create space for teammates.

He’ll also be encouraged to be brave in moving the ball into the key areas in the final third and play better crosses in the box. Fernandes will look to be smart with his movement and get to the end of chances to outwit the Al-Seeb defenders, and needs to be clinical in taking up his chances to stun them.

4. Javier Siverio

FC Goa surprised some fans by sealing the signing of Javier Siverio to be their new forward, replacing the departed Armando Sadiku in the squad. Siverio had a pretty good 2024-25 season with Jamshedpur FC, scoring seven goals in 26 games for them and proving himself as a clinical outlet in the box.

It’s now time that Siverio proves that he’s earned his move to the FC Goa team by being a menacing threat up front for them in this upcoming clash.

Siverio is likely to make his FC Goa debut against Al-Seeb and needs to get going strongly from the get-go. He will need to be proactive in the frontline, moving around the final third to disrupt the opposition backline.

However, Siverio will be mostly relied upon to pick out chances and get at the end of moves to make use of his efficient finishing skills to help Goa get an edge in the game.

3. Sandesh Jhingan

Sandesh Jhingan is one of the most experienced players in the FC Goa squad and someone with a lot of expertise in pressure situations against foreign teams. The Indian international is ready to guide FC Goa to success in the 2025-26 season and aims to start his campaign on a strong note against Al-Seeb.

Jhingan will need to use his in-game IQ to smartly mark the opposition forwards and ensure that Al-Seeb don’t get much empty space to manoeuvre in and around the Gaurs’ penalty area. He will need to be at his sharpest to read the opposition moves smartly and get in the right places to make crucial clearances or challenges to frustrate the opposition forwards.

Jhingan has to step up as a leader and motivate his teammates by winning all his duels and driving them forward with clever forward passes to help them outwit the Al-Seeb players.

2. David Timor

David Timor was the statement signing for FC Goa ahead of the 2025-26 season, with Manolo Marquez acquiring a highly experienced midfielder for his squad. Timor has nearly 150 La Liga appearances under his belt and played for Eldense in the LaLiga 2 last season!

He’s even played in the UEFA Europa League for Getafe and has the reputation for being an uncompromising midfield general.

The 35-year-old midfielder needs to take the game by the scruff of its neck and help FC Goa control possession with his smart distribution and ball-winning abilities. Not just that, Timor will also look to use his creativity to create some chances and help protect his backline with his diligent defensive contribution.

The Spaniard hasn’t gotten that much time to adapt, but he needs to make his experience count with a commanding performance against Al-Seeb.

1. Iker Guarrotxena

Iker Guarrotxena was a major driving force for FC Goa in the 2024-25 ISL campaign, coming up clutch with his clever work in the final third. The 32-year-old had 10 goal contributions (seven goals, three assists) in 21 league games last season and was particularly clutch in the Super Cup.

Guarrotxena scored four goals in the Super Cup to play a key role in helping FC Goa win the tournament and earn their berth in the continental tournament. Now, it’s time for Guarrotxena to step up and bring that kind of clinical edge to FC Goa’s attack in this upcoming ACL Two qualifier.

Guarrrotxena has to be efficient with his link-up play and combinational play to ensure that Goa can trick the defenders and create some attractive moves. He will look to create more chances by nailing his final passes, but Marquez will hope that Guarrotxena can anticipate chances and get to the end of them more often to finish them off clinically and help his side get a commendable win.

The AFC Champions League Two playoff between FC Goa and Al Seeb will be streamed exclusively on the official Khel Now YouTube Channel – Khel Now TV. The match is set to kick off at 7:30 pm on August 13th, 2025.

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