FC Goa endured a tough night in their AFC Champions League campaign as they went down 0-2 to FC Istiklol at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan. Goals from Rustam Soirov and Reza Dehghani sealed the victory for the hosts as the Gaurs left empty-handed.
The Gaurs got a big boost before the game with defender Sandesh Jhingan returning to the side from injury. The match was evenly poised in the first half with both sides cancelling each other out in midfield.
FC Goa looked organised at the back, with Sandesh Jhingan and Pol Moreno keeping the Istiklol forwards in check. The Gaurs created several promising opportunities in the opening period but failed to convert their chan111¹ces.
In the 22nd minute, Pol Moreno had FC Goa’s best opportunity when he found himself unmarked inside the box from a corner kick. However, his left-footed shot sailed over the crossbar, representing a crucial missed chance to take the lead.
Borja Herrera came close in the 43rd minute with a well-directed header from Boris Singh’s cross that forced Istiklol goalkeeper Nikola Stosic into a fine diving save. The Spanish playmaker also had another attempt in the first half stoppage time, when his left-footed shot from outside the box went just wide.
Despite these clear-cut chances, FC Goa’s inability to find their shooting boots in the first half would prove costly. The deadlock was broken just a minute into the second half. In the 46th minute, Rustam Soirov capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot home and give Istiklol the lead.
FC Goa tried to push forward in search of an equaliser, but they were undone once more in the 74th minute when Reza Dehghani doubled the advantage for the hosts with a precise finish from outside the box.
Despite late efforts from the Gaurs, including a blocked attempt from Borja Herrera in stoppage time, they were unable to find a way back into the match.
FC Goa will now turn their attention to their next AFC Champions League fixture as they return home to face Al Nassr on October 22, 2025, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda. The match against the Saudi Arabian giants will kick off at 7:15 PM IST.
