Fatorda, 24 December 2025 – FC Goa will host Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, for the final Group D clash of the AFC Champions League Two. With qualification no longer possible, the Gaurs are determined to finish their continental campaign with a spirited performance for their fans.
Continental nights at Fatorda hold a special place for Goa, evoking memories of their last AFC Champions League appearance where Brison Fernandes scored India’s first-ever goal in the tournament. That historic night highlighted the Gaurs’ resilience and fearless approach against formidable opponents like Al Nassr.
FC Istiklol, champions of the Tajikistan domestic league for a record 12th consecutive season, arrive in Goa after a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture in Dushanbe. Goa, on the other hand, comes in on a high after lifting the Super Cup for the second consecutive year, narrowly defeating East Bengal on penalties at Fatorda just two weeks ago.
Head coach Manolo Márquez will look to harness the Super Cup momentum to inspire his squad. Goalkeeper Lara emphasized the team’s mindset: “It’s been a difficult journey with the gaps between games and the uncertainty over the future, but we are a strong group and we are ready to continue to represent India together in this competition.”
The final clash promises to be a compelling night under the lights of Fatorda, where pride, passion, and the love of Indian football will take centre stage.
Panaji, 14 September 2025: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has formally approached the Goa Football Association (GFA) to host the Super Cup 2025 across two prominent stadiums in Goa—Nehru Stadium, Fatorda and Athletic Stadium, Bambolim. The tournament is tentatively scheduled from October 25 to November 22 and will be held in a phased format, aligning with the upcoming FIFA international window.
According to AIFF’s proposed plan, the group stage—featuring 16 teams divided into four groups—will be held between October 25 and November 6. A break will follow for the international window, during which India will face Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup qualifier on November 18. The knockout stages, including the semifinals and final, are expected to resume post this fixture.
In a letter addressed to GFA President Caitano Fernandes, AIFF Deputy General Secretary M. Satyanarayan requested the GFA’s assistance in securing both stadiums, along with four training grounds for participating clubs. AIFF has also asked for support in managing floodlights for evening matches, providing ambulances and medical rooms, and ensuring seamless coordination with the Goa state government. Matches at Fatorda will be played under floodlights at 7:30 PM, while those at Bambolim will kick off at 5:00 PM.
“The AIFF deeply appreciates the long-standing cooperation extended by the GFA in hosting major national and international football competitions, and we look forward to your continued support in delivering another successful tournament in Goa,” the letter read.
The GFA has responded positively, stating that it is keen to extend “all possible help” to ensure the successful conduct of the tournament.
The Super Cup 2025 is expected to include 13 clubs from the Indian Super League (ISL) and 3 from the I-League, though four ISL clubs have only “conditionally consented” to participate due to pending clarity on the ISL start date and financial receivables. Odisha FC has already communicated its decision to opt out of the Super Cup but left the door open to reconsider if there is greater clarity.
A key incentive this year is the AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 berth. With India ranked 10th in the Asian Football Confederation’s Member Association standings for the West Zone, it has secured two continental spots. The ISL winner will gain direct entry into the ACL Two group stage, while the Super Cup winner will receive the second slot via a play-off, provided the club meets Premier 1 licensing requirements. Should the team not progress through the play-off, it will automatically be included in the AFC Challenge League group stage, ensuring India maintains strong representation at the continental level.
With continental qualification on the line, participation decisions pending, and Goa ready to host, the stage is being set for one of the most significant domestic football tournaments in the Indian calendar.
