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Key Points

FC Goa secured a hard-fought 2-1 win against Al Seeb to advance to the AFC Champions League Two group stage. Dejan Drazic and Javier Siverio netted the decisive goals, while Al Seeb’s late push fell short. The Gaurs join Mohun Bagan as the second Indian club in the competition. The group stage draw will take place on August 15.

Key Points: FC Goa Beat Al Seeb to Reach AFC Champions League Two Group Stage

  • Dejan Drazic and Javier Siverio scored crucial goals for FC Goa
  • Al Seeb fought back with Nasser Al Rawahi’s strike
  • FC Goa joins Mohun Bagan in AFC Champions League Two group stage
  • Group stage opponents to be revealed in August 15 draw
2 min read

FC Goa defeat Al Seeb to seal AFC Champions League Two group stage berth

FC Goa edged past Al Seeb 2-1 to secure a spot in the AFC Champions League Two group stage, joining Mohun Bagan in the next round.

"The Gaurs became the second Indian side to book their spot in this season’s Group Stage. – AIFF Press Release"

Margao, August 14

FC Goa sealed their spot in the AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 Group Stage after staving off a late fightback from Al Seeb Club of Oman to walk away with a 2-1 win in their Preliminary Stage tie on Wednesday at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Dejan Drazic and Javier Siverio scored for FC Goa, and the Gaurs will now wait to discover their Group Stage opponents on Friday, as per a press release from AIFF.

Al Seeb started aggressively, testing FC Goa as early as the second minute with Nasser Al Rawahi forcing defender Pol Moreno into an acrobatic clearance, while Zahir Al Aghbari's follow-up from inside the box was blocked.

The home side took time to settle and could have broken the deadlock in the ninth minute when Drazic broke free on the left, but with only the keeper to beat, the midfielder's soft shot was easily collected by Ahmed Al Rawahi.

Al Rawahi was in the thick of things again for Al Seeb in the 23rd minute when his timely tackle opened up space to set up Abdul Aziz Al Muqbali, whose curling effort was parried away by FC Goa keeper Hrithik Tiwari.

Al Seeb, the 2022 AFC Cup winners, reduced the deficit at the hour mark through Nasser Al Rawahi's strike from close range off Ali Al Busaidi's cutback, but that was to be it as FC Goa became the second Indian side to book their spot in this season's Group Stage after 2024-25 ISL Shield Winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

The Gaurs and the Mariners will discover their Group Stage opponents after the draw on August 15.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
As a Goan, I'm so proud of our boys! But we need to work on finishing - that Drazic miss in the 9th minute could have cost us dearly. Still, historic moment for Indian football with two clubs in the group stage!
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Aman W
The atmosphere at Fatorda must have been electric! Wish I could have been there. Hope AIFF organizes more such international matches across India to grow football culture.
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Sarah B
Impressive win but the defense looked shaky at times. Against stronger Asian teams, we'll need better organization. Still, great to see Indian clubs making progress in continental competitions!
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Karthik V
FC Goa and Mohun Bagan flying India's flag high in Asia! 💙 Now we need to ensure our clubs get proper financial backing to compete at this level consistently. Corporate India should step up!
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Nisha Z
The foreign players made the difference today, but our Indian boys held their own too. Special mention to local Goan players who showed great composure under pressure. Jai Hind!

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