FC Goa booked their ticket to the AFC Champions League 2 group stage with a confident 2-1 victory over Oman’s Al Seeb in the single-leg preliminary stage at the Fatorda Stadium, joining Mohun Bagan Super Giant as the second Indian representative in the continental competition.
This marks the Gaurs’ return to Asia’s elite stage after their historic 2021 campaign, when they became the first Indian club to compete in the AFC Champions League group phase.
Head coach Manolo Marquez fielded all six of his overseas players in the starting line-up, with newcomer Paul Moreno slotting into defence and midfielder David Timor anchoring the middle of the park. The trio of debutants—Moreno, Timor, and Javier Siverio—left a strong first impression, with the latter’s decisive goal proving pivotal.
The hosts began brightly, taking the lead in the 24th minute through Dejan Drazic. Latching onto a through ball, the Serbian forward displayed superb composure—first lifting it over the advancing goalkeeper, then calmly guiding it into the net.
Al Seeb, struggling to find space against Goa’s disciplined two-line defensive shape, thought they had a lifeline when the referee appeared to award a penalty for handball by Drazic. After consulting his assistant, however, the decision was revised to a free-kick just outside the box—a call that continued to draw protests from the visiting dugout. Replays suggested the incident may have occurred inside the area.
Goa doubled their advantage early in the second half. In the 52nd minute, Siverio rose highest to meet Borja Herrera’s looping cross, steering a precise header beyond the onrushing goalkeeper. The stadium erupted in celebration as the new Spanish signing marked his first appearance with a goal.
But the Omani champions refused to go quietly. Midway through the second half, Ali Alrawahi capitalised on a lapse in marking by defender Lalchungnunga Sangwan, poking home an Albusaidi cross to halve the deficit. The goal silenced the Fatorda for a brief spell, but Goa’s defensive organisation ensured there would be no late equaliser.
The draw for the AFC Champions League 2 group stage is scheduled to take place in the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur on August 15, when FC Goa and Mohun Bagan will learn their opponents for the continental campaign.
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