Test in Tajikistan for FC Goa as they face Istiklol in AFC Champions League 2

FC Goa lost their first ACL 2 game against Al Zawraa.

FC Goa are hungry for redemption after they conceded a defeat at home to Iraq’s Al Zawraa in their opening AFC Champions League 2 fixture. The Gaurs will lock horns with Tajikistan’s FC Istikol in the next ACL 2 fixture for them. It will be an away fixture for Goa, and they will play the Tajik club in front of their own crowd.

Losing out on crucial points in the home game has made this clash more important for the defending Super Cup champions, as they cannot afford to drop more points. FC Goa are placed in C alongside Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, Al Zawraa, and FC Istiklol.

The Stakes

FC Goa

For FC Goa, this is a massive occasion. An away fixture against a formidable opposition in the backdrop of losing the first, all of this adds up to make this encounter a monumental task. The Gaurs will touch down in Tajikistan as a confident unit. They could not collect points against Al Zawraa, but it was a commendable performance.

The biggest miss was the sharpness in front of the goal. Manolo Marquez’s men created multiple goal-scoring chances against the Iraqi side, but when it came to giving the final flourish, things did not fall in place. Against Istiklol, the Gaurs would be most desperate to make gains in the goal-scoring department.

FC Istiklol

The 13-time league champions of Tajikistan had a horrible start to their AFC Champions League 2 campaign. Istiklol lost to Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr 5-0 in what was a rout. The game against FC Goa will be chance for the Tajik champions to bring their campaign back on track.

Istiklol are one of the favourites to finish in the top two of Group C. But an unfavourable result against Goa might result in Istiklol losing the favourites tag, with Al Zawraa already sitting with three points in their bag. Playing at home will help the cause, but it might be added pressure in a high-stakes encounter.

Team News

FC Goa will miss the services of Sandesh Jhingan and Iker Guarrotxena. FC Istiklol are expected to have all their players available for the match.

Player to watch out for

Udanta Singh (FC Goa)

We saw a glimpse of the old Udanta Singh against Al Zawraa. Udanta, in his prime, would take the defenders for a run and overtake them to put delicious crosses into the box. There were signs of something similar in FC Goa’s ACL 2 opener.

His combination with Boris Singh on the right flank put the Al Zawraa under pressure, giving them a tough time. Against Istiklol, we can see FC Goa being pushed in their own half for most of the game. In such circumstances, Udanta’s speed will be an asset for the Gaurs to launch quick counterattacks and exploit spaces behind the opposition’s defense.

Manuchekhra Dzhalilov (FC Istiklol)

Keep an eye on the experienced striker, Manuchekhr Dzhalilov. The 35-year-old is the main target man for Istiklol, providing them with precision in front of the goal. He has scored 130+ goals for the Tajik club. Dzhalilov has a wealth of experience playing in AFC competitions.

He has made 50 appearances in AFC competition, scoring 17 goals and providing 3 assists. Against an FC Goa defense that will miss Sandesh Jhingan, Dzhalilov will be one of the biggest threats. The centre-back pairing of Pol Moreno and Nim Dorjee Tamang will have a tough time keeping Dzhalilov in check.

Probable Lineups

FC Goa

Hrithik Tiwari (GK), Nim Dorjee Tamang, Boris Singh, Pol Moreno, Aakash Sangwan, Borja Herrera, David Timor, Udanta Singh, Ayush Chhetri, Dejan Drazic, Javier Siverio

FC Istiklol

Nikola Stosic (GK), Romish Dzhalilov, Marlen Chobanov, Kirill Suslov, Rudolf Turkaj, Tabrezi Davlatmir, Joseph Okoro, Ehson Panjshanbe, Alisher Dzhalilov, Manuchekhr Dzhalilov, Paul Komolafe

Where to watch FC Goa vs FC Istiklol in AFC Champions League 2?

The AFC Champions League 2 fixture between FC Goa and FC Istiklol will be live-streamed on the FanCode app.

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