Indian Super League (ISL) side FC Goa edged out Oman’s Al Seeb Club by a 2-1 scoreline in the Preliminary Stage of the AFC Champions League Two at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa.

Dejan Drazic and Javier Siverio were on the scoresheet for the Gaurs as they confirmed their spot in the ACL Two group stage.

Al Seeb Club created a few chances early in the game, but the FC Goa defensive line, led by Sandesh Jhingan, stood strong to absorb the initial pressure.

Drazic, in particular, looked sharp down the left flank. He paired up with Siverio and Iker Guarrotxena up front and their early exchanges provided a glimpse of hope for the Gaurs. The Serbian winger ultimately broke the deadlock in the 24th minute thanks to his wonderful chip, which found the back of the net after he dodged past the onrushing goalkeeper, following a well-timed long ball played from deep.

The Gaurs maintained their slender lead until half-time and went into the break with a one-goal advantage.

Manolo Marquez’s men looked sharp in the second half as they pushed to double the lead. New signing Siverio scored his debut goal for the Gaurs in the 52nd minute with a towering header.

However, the Omani side pulled one back in the 60th minute courtesy of Al-Rawahi’s strike.

Siverio had another chance to complete his brace in the final phase of the second half, but his attempt went off target. FC Goa goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, on the other hand, made a couple of saves in the dying minutes of the second half to deny the visitors from scoring the equaliser.

With that, the Gaurs secured a crucial victory on home soil and sealed their spot in the ACL Two group stage. They will now join Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who had already secured their spot as ISL Shield winners last season, in the group stages of the AFC Champions League Two. The draw for the groups will be held on Friday, August 15.

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