Tag: AFC Champions League 2

Sports

FC Goa Clinch AIFF Super Cup in Dramatic Shootout, Seal AFC Champions League 2 Spot

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

FC Goa secured a historic AIFF Super Cup triumph after edging East Bengal FC 6-5 in a dramatic sudden-death penalty shootout at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in Margao. The victory not only allowed them to defend their title successfully but also helped them clinch a coveted berth in next season’s AFC Champions League 2. With this win, the Gaurs extended their record by lifting the trophy for the third time, establishing themselves as one of the most dominant sides in the competition’s history.

The final was a gripping affair from the outset, with both teams creating a flurry of chances and displaying relentless intensity. The home side began brightly, backed by strong local support, and threatened through early set pieces. East Bengal gradually settled and carved out opportunities of their own, including a clear chance in the 12th minute when Miguel Ferreira broke through but shot wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. Bipin Singh and Mahesh Naorem kept Goa on high alert with dangerous plays from the flanks, while FC Goa responded with long-range efforts and probing through balls.

The match saw swings in momentum after the break, with both sides coming close to breaking the deadlock. East Bengal nearly scored in the 74th minute when PV Vishnu’s effort forced a fumble from goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, but the Goa custodian reacted quickly to prevent the ball from crossing the line. The close call awakened FC Goa, who hit the upright through Brison Fernandes before Dejan Drazic missed a clear header moments later. In extra time, Gill produced crucial saves for East Bengal to keep them in contention, including a reflex stop from Siverio’s rebound and a sharp grab from Timor’s header.

With no goals after 120 minutes, the final moved into a tense penalty shootout. Both teams held their nerve through the initial five attempts, finishing 4-4. In sudden death, Sahil Tavora converted for FC Goa after Udanta Singh scored his attempt for East Bengal. The game was finally decided when substitute Hamid Ahadad scored but PV Vishnu missed the target with his effort, handing FC Goa the victory. Despite Gill getting hands to a few penalties, East Bengal ultimately fell short by a single miss.

FC Goa’s composure under pressure, clinical finishing from the spot, and resilience throughout the contest underscored their championship mentality. The result cements their legacy in Indian football, gives them continental exposure next season, and marks another memorable night for the fans who witnessed a classic final unfold in Margao.

Sports

FC Goa Return to Continental Glory with Win Over Al Seeb

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FC Goa marked a historic chapter in their football journey by clinching a spot in the AFC Champions League 2 group stage after defeating Al Seeb 2-1. This is the Gaurs’ first appearance at this stage since their memorable 2021 campaign.

The match saw an energetic start from the Indian Super League side, with Dejan Drazic opening the scoring in the first half. The Goan crowd erupted again when Javier Siverio, making his debut for the club, doubled the lead with a confident finish.

Al Seeb pushed hard to claw back into the game and managed to score one, but FC Goa’s disciplined defense and composed game management ensured the victory.

This result not only reaffirms FC Goa’s reputation as one of India’s top football clubs but also reignites hopes of making a strong mark in continental football. Fans are now eager to see the Gaurs shine on the AFC stage once again.

Sports

Kalinga Super Cup: FC Goa find their moment after a season of almosts

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In a season full of heartbreaks and hard luck, FC Goa needed a redemption arc.

After coming heartbreakingly close in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season, finishing second on the table despite matching last season’s Shield-winning points tally, and then exiting in the playoffs in the most gut-wrenching fashion, it felt like the football gods owed them something. And the dream is now fulfilled.

The Kalinga Super Cup, in its shiny new knockout format, was not for the faint-hearted. One bad day and you were sent packing. But under the weight of expectations and with the bitter taste of a near-miss in the ISL still fresh, FC Goa chose not to crumble. They beat Jamshedpur FC in the final to be crowned winners of the Kalinga Super Cup on Saturday, providing a fitting end to a memorable season.

Their campaign kicked off in familiar, comfortable fashion with a 3-0 win over Gokulam Kerala FC in the Round of 16. It was the kind of no-fuss win with Iker Guarrotxena’s hat-trick proving to be the highlight. Job done, clean sheet in the bag and the Gaurs were up and running.

Then came the quarter-final clash against Punjab FC. And boy, did this one have drama. Trailing for most of the match, the Gaurs looked like they were staring down at another so close, yet so far moment. But Two late goals turned despair into delirium and sent the Gaurs into the semi-finals with a comeback that was about guts and guile.

Awaiting them next were Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Or rather, a youthful version of the Kolkata club, with fresh legs and zero fear. FC Goa had opened the scoring, only to see the Mariners bounce back within minutes. Old wounds threatened to reopen. But FC Goa did what seasoned sides do best: they settled, they adapted and then they struck. The 3-1 win was nothing short of a statement, although having got the better of the Mariners.

The stage for the final was set with Jamshedpur FC in their way. The same Jamshedpur FC who’d done the double over them in the league.

From the first whistle, FC Goa looked like team not playing with pressure but with purpose. Once Borja Herrera opened the scoring, they never looked back. They bossed the midfield, moved the ball with flair and defended with all their heart. It was a sweet victory, one that they deserved after hardly putting a foot wrong.

History made

FC Goa did not only secure the Cup, but they also won their way back into Asia. For the first time since their historic 2020-21 campaign in the AFC Champions League, FC Goa are back on the continental stage, this time in the newly-launched AFC Champions League 2. It may not be the main stage but it’s still Asia and it gives them a chance to compete at the one of the biggest stages for an Indian club.

And as the champagne popped and confetti rained down in Bhubaneswar, FC Goa showed they are done knocking on the door. They’re kicking it down.