FC Goa got their AFC Challenge League campaign back on track with a 2-1 win over Bangladesh’s Fortis FC in Group C at the Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium in Hawally, Kuwait, on 20th October 2026.
Goa started on the front foot and set the tempo from the first whistle, with most of the early possession. It paid off in the 6th minute, when Spanish forward Jorge Ortiz rose to meet Udanta’s delivery and headed it home. The Gaurs kept pressing for the rest of the half, creating several chances and testing the Fortis keeper, while their own defence stayed solid. The best moment at the back came in the 35th minute, when a big diving save denied Fortis their best chance of the half. It was 1-0 at the break, and Goa were comfortably in control.
The second half was a different story. Fortis pushed higher up the pitch and made it a proper contest, and their persistence paid off in the 77th minute when Rafayel slipped behind the defence to finish a quick through-ball and level things up.
Goa didn’t panic, they responded straight away, and in the 84th minute Chiki ran onto a well-weighted pass from number 28 and calmly beat the keeper to make it 2-1.
Things got heated in the closing stages as Fortis chased an equaliser. Their number 4 picked up a second yellow and was sent off in stoppage time, and Goa managed the five added minutes with discipline to hold on for all three points.
It’s a crucial result for the Gaurs, who needed a response after their opening fixture. The win keeps their qualification hopes alive, and the resilience they showed after conceding, along with their sharp attacking play and composure under pressure, will give the squad plenty of confidence as the campaign continues.
They look to build on this momentum as the Gaurs continue their journey in the AFC Challenge League, proudly representing Goa and Indian football on the continental stage.
