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Key Points

FC Goa couldn't recover from their defensive mistakes against Istiklol in the AFC Champions League Two. The Indian side struggled to create meaningful chances despite some late pressure. Two second-half goals from the hosts sealed Goa's fate in this group stage encounter. This marks their second straight loss in the competition ahead of facing Al Nassr next.

Key Points: FC Goa Loses 0-2 to Istiklol in AFC Champions League Two

  • Rustam Soirov capitalized on Sandesh Jhingan's poor clearance for opening goal
  • Reza Dehghani sealed victory with powerful edge-of-box strike
  • FC Goa missed golden chance through Pol Moreno's first-half effort
  • Istiklol dominated possession and forced Gaurs into defensive shell throughout match
3 min read

FC Goa slumps to 0-2 defeat against Istiklol in AFC Champions League Two

FC Goa suffers second consecutive defeat in AFC Champions League Two as defensive errors cost them against Tajikistan's Istiklol FC in Hisor.

"Manolo Marquez's men were punished for lapses in concentration at either ends of the field - ISL Press Release"

Hisor, October 2

Indian Super League (ISL) team FC Goa lost their second group stage clash of the AFC Champions League Two in Hisor on Wednesday as they lost to Istiklol FC 0-2.

Rustam Soirov and Reza Dehghani were on the scoresheet for the hosts in the second half as Manolo Marquez's men were punished for lapses in concentration at either ends of the field, according to a press release from ISL.

The home side set the tone of the match from the outset, dominating possession and condemning the Gaurs to defend deep inside their own half. Marquez's side did well to absorb the pressure and keep Istiklol at arm's length.

FC Goa had a big chance to take the lead in the 22nd minute when a corner fell to the feet of Pol Moreno. The defender shot on the turn but couldn't keep his shot down as it flew just over the crossbar.

The Gaurs kept frustrating the hosts as they couldn't find a way to work Hrithik Tiwari in the FC Goa goal. The visitors, though, forced a fine save from Istiklol goalkeeper Nikola Stosic, who had to be at full stretch to deny a looping header from Borja Herrera three minutes from the half-time whistle.

The Gaurs managed to keep the game goalless at the break, but a half-baked clearance from Sandesh Jhingan from a cross inside the box in the very first minute of the second half allowed Soirov to fire home from close distance and give the hosts the lead.

The goal gave added impetus to Istiklol, who asked further questions at the FC Goa goal, but Marquez's men managed to weather the storm and stay in the game.

Dezan Drazic caused the home side problems with a telling cross in the 74th minute, which was aimed at Javier Siverio but Stosic cut it off in time in two attempts to avert the danger.

Straight away at the other end, Istiklol doubled their lead through Dehghani who drilled a low effort into the back of the net from the edge of the box.

FC Goa tried to claw their way back into the game in the dying exchanges but the hosts were successful in staving off any attempts of a late comeback and claiming three points.

The Gaurs, who suffered their second straight loss in the competition after losing to Al Zawraa in the first game, take on Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr in Goa on October 22.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Tough loss but we showed some fight in the first half. Hrithik Tiwari did well in goal. Just need to work on our finishing and defensive concentration. Better luck against Al Nassr! 💙
A
Arjun K
Two consecutive losses in ACL is worrying. Our Indian clubs still struggle against foreign opponents. Need better preparation and maybe some tactical changes from Marquez. The players looked tired in second half.
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Sarah B
As someone new to Indian football, I'm impressed by the team's spirit despite the loss. The first half was quite competitive. Hope they can bounce back strong in the next match! 🤞
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Vikram M
Defense needs serious work! Conceding immediately after halftime shows lack of focus. Manolo Marquez needs to address these concentration lapses. On to the next one - Al Nassr will be even tougher! 😬
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Michael C
Respectfully, I think FC Goa needs better finishing training. Pol Moreno's miss in the 22nd minute was crucial. In international competitions, you have to take your chances. Still proud of our boys representing India!

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