FC Goa faced Al Seeb in the AFC 2 preliminary stage at the Fatorda stadium.

Al Seeb has previously won the AFC in 2022, while FC Goa marked their 2nd appearance in the continental stage.

With both teams eyeing qualification, it was the underdogs who rose to the occasion.

This was FC Goa’s first appearance in the continental stage after a 4 yrs long wait.

The fortress was covered in orange as FC Goa danced through the stadium lights.

Al Seeb forced FC Goa’s defence to step up on multiple occasions, first being Nasser Al Rawahi forcing Pol Moreno into an acrobatic clearance.

Dejan Drazic had his shot despite the aggressive plays from the visitors which was straight into the goalkeeper’s glove.

There was nothing stopping Drazic as he broke the deadlock and scored a wonderful goal, chipping the ball over Ahmed Al Khamisi into the back of the net.

This gave the hosts the advantage but Al Seeb was a team not to be underestimated.

Al Seeb kept knocking but fell short to the Goan defence.

Al Seeb called for penalty after a hand ball from FC Goa but they had to settle for a free kick as it occurred just outside the penalty box.

Sandesh Jhingan, stood like a pillar, clearance after clearance the game looked strong as Goa played the entire first half defensive.

FC Goa didn’t drop momentum as the second half went underway.

Hrithik Tiwari showed complete composure. He was calm even when the opponents pressed up front. The saves and presence of mind was just wonderful.

They only increased confidence and were a threat to the visitors as Javi Siverio netted the 2nd for the Gaurs, this being his first goal as a Gaur, in what was his debut match.

Javi was signed from Jamshedpur FC after an amazing season, and he didn’t disappoint.

Al Seeb tried a potential comeback after they reduced their goal deficit as Al-Rawahi scored in the 60th minute but this wasn’t enough to dim the lights of the Gaurs.

FC Goa kept pushing till the very last second and all of that paid off.

FC Goa booked their AFC 2 Group stage spot after Mohun Bagan SG.

This win was fundamental for FC Goa as they showcased not only positive attitude throughout. They showed resilience, trust and confidence which was clearly evident in their playing style. 

The attacks, the goals, the defence, the dribbles, everything was just magical to watch.