ACL Two: FC Goa eye first win against FC Istiklol

Indian Super League (ISL) side FC Goa will lock horns against Tajik giants FC Istiklol in their second group-stage match in the AFC Champions League Two on Wednesday at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan.

The Gaurs put on a valiant performance on home turf against Iraqi side Al-Zawraa in the opening group match but ended up empty-handed as they succumbed to a 0-2 defeat. Manolo Marquez’s men will look to change the result and shift the momentum as they are set to travel to Tajikistan for their first away game of their continental campaign.

No time for pit stops, only full throttle ahead our big game in Tajikistan 🏎️💨 pic.twitter.com/fGxt0iD7Ix
— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) September 25, 2025

FC Goa found themselves in Asia’s second-tier club competition following their Super Cup 2025 triumphand a stunning victory against Oman’s Al Seeb Club in the Preliminary Stage of the AFC Champions League Two. The Gaurs went down fighting against Al-Zawraa in their opening group stage fixture, despite creating a few clear-cut chances, especially in the second half. Dejan Drazic, Brison Fernandes, Borja Herrera, and Javier Siverio had their opportunities but couldn’t convert the chances as they fell short in securing a positive start.

On the other hand, 13-time Tajik League champions, with 10 national cups and 13 Super Cup victories, FC Istiklol suffered a big 0-5 defeat away from home against Al Nassr in their opening fixture. With both teams returning to action following their losses in the opening matchweek, the Gaurs will face a stern test against FC Istiklol, given their strong home record.

In the group’s other fixture, Al-Zawraa play host to Saudi heavyweights Al Nassr in a late kick-off on the same day.