FC Goa will host Tajikistan's FC Istiklol at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda for their last Group D fixture in the AFC Champions League Two on Tuesday. With qualification out of reach, the Gaurs aim to secure their first points and end the campaign on a high note. The match carries emotional weight, drawing on past continental heroics at home.
Margao, India – FC Goa returns to the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Fatorda for one final continental outing in 2025, hosting FC Istiklol of Tajikistan in the concluding Group D match of the AFC Champions League Two. The fixture, set for Tuesday, offers the Gaurs a chance to claim their first points after a challenging group stage, even as playoff hopes have faded.
Continental nights at Fatorda hold special significance for FC Goa. Supporters recall their last AFC Champions League home appearance, where the team mounted a spirited challenge against Al Nassr, featuring global stars. That evening etched history when Brison Fernandes netted India's inaugural goal in the competition, a moment of bravery and belief that the current squad seeks to emulate.
FC Istiklol enters the game in strong form, having clinched their domestic league title for a record 12th straight season. They also hold a 2-0 edge from the earlier meeting in Dushanbe, positioning them favorably for potential knockout progression. Meanwhile, FC Goa rides momentum from their recent Super Cup victory—the second in as many years—secured via penalties against East Bengal at the same venue just two weeks prior.
Head coach Manolo Márquez's team plans to harness this home advantage and fan support. Goalkeeper Lara captured the group's resolve: “It’s been a difficult journey with the gaps between games and the uncertainty over the future, but we are a strong group, and we are ready to continue to represent India together in this competition.”
With recent triumphs on both sides and pride at stake, the encounter promises intensity under the Fatorda lights, allowing FC Goa to bow out with purpose.
