The two second half of the goal condemned FC Goa to defeat 0-2 against the Tajikistan FC Istikolol in their second group D Outing AFC Champions League 2, so the Indian side of Super League was still looking for its first points in the tournament. Istiklol bounced off the hard initial loss to claim his first victory, while FC Goa is now facing the task uphill to revive his campaign.
The match saw that both teams create chances in the harsh first half, while goalkeeper FC Goa Hrithik Tiwari produced a number of savings to maintain the level of score. FC Istiklol, who suffered a 0-5 defeat in Saudi Arabia Al Nassru during his previous trip, showed a greater offensive intention after the break and earned the defensive mistakes of his Indian rivals.
Rustam Soirov broke the blocking in a minute into the second half and earned a mixture between Sandesh Jhingan and Pol Museno near six yard boxes to shoot to the upper left corner of Tiwari. Previously, Tiwari denied Soirova, Manucher Safarov and Muhammadjon Rahimov.
The best opportunity FC Goa in the first half came in the 22nd minute, when the corner of Borja Herrery resulted in the goal, but Pole Morreno was unable to convert and sent his efforts to the bar. Another chance saw Herrera connect with Boris Singh’s cross, but Istiklol Keeper Stosic Nikola created a major savings to keep the match in half -time.
The other half saw that Isticlol increases the pressure on the defense of Goan. Replacement of Reza Dehghani, who entered the 66th minute, doubled his party’s leadership eight minutes later and after Rahimov’s shot and blasting around Tiwari from the outside of the area.
Although FC Goa lagged, he pressed forward and was looking for a target. Javi Siverio and Brison Fernandes had a chance in the 55th minute, but neither could find the goal. At the time of stopping, the last ditch of Dejan Drazic in a crowded box was sent high because Istiklol held the company to secure a clean sheet.
FC Goa has now suffered losses back in Group D. FC Istiklol after their initial loss of Al Nassru moved with the first three points in the group. Both teams are going to play again 22 October and FC Goa hosts Al Nassr and Istiklol meeting Al Zawraa.
– ends
Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
October 2, 2025
