Tag: AFC Champions League Two

Sports

AIFF Super Cup 2025: FC Goa Face Mumbai City FC in Blockbuster Semifinal at Fatorda

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Fatorda, December 3, 2025: The reigning AIFF Super Cup champions FC Goa are set to light up the Fatorda Stadium once again as they prepare for a much-awaited semifinal showdown against arch-rivals Mumbai City FC on Thursday, December 4, at 8:00 PM IST.

This semifinal arrives at a crucial moment for FC Goa, who have endured one of the most demanding stretches of competitive football among all ISL clubs. While Indian football has seen an extended break in domestic action, the Gaurs have remained in top-flight rhythm. Over the last three months, FC Goa have played an AFC Champions League Two qualifier against Al Seeb (Oman), three Super Cup group-stage matches, and five AFC Champions League Two fixtures against top clubs from Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Tajikistan.

With all their Asian away fixtures completed, the champions return home physically sharp, mentally seasoned, and fully in rhythm—an advantage that could prove decisive in a knockout fixture of this magnitude.

Speaking about the team’s momentum, Head Coach Manolo Marquez said:
“I would prefer to be in FC Goa’s position with more training and more games. Playing in the AFC Champions League Two against strong teams helps a lot. But again, this is a knockout match—90 or 120 minutes—anything can happen.”

Meanwhile, Mumbai City FC enter the semifinal after nearly a month without competitive action. Despite this, Marquez emphasized that they remain one of the most consistent and formidable sides in Indian football:
“They are a quality team with strong foreigners, an experienced coach, and several Indian national team players.”

FC Goa head into the semifinals after a strong group-stage campaign, finishing top of their group despite a narrow loss to NorthEast United in a rotated final match. With the semifinal at hand, the Gaurs are expected to return to a more settled starting XI, restoring full strength as they push to defend their crown.

Young defender Ronney Wilson, who has impressed in both AFC Champions League and Super Cup fixtures, spoke about the team’s unity and growth:
“Playing in the Champions League has helped all of us improve. The bond in the dressing room is strong thanks to all these games. We’re ready for the next challenge.”

This matchup also carries emotional weight. Their last meeting in February 2025 saw FC Goa deliver one of their most dominant wins—a 1–3 victory in Mumbai, highlighted by a brace from former fan-favourite Iker Guarrotxena and a composed goal from Borja Herrera. That performance dismantled the hosts and remains a proud memory for the Gaurs.

Now, under the floodlights of Fatorda, the champions return home with rhythm, confidence, and the unwavering support of the Gaurs faithful as they prepare for a high-stakes semifinal filled with intensity, passion, and drama.

Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo Named in Al-Nassr Squad for Return Leg Against FC Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Al-Nassr’s squad for their AFC Champions League Two return leg against FC Goa, set to take place in Riyadh. The Portuguese forward’s inclusion marks a potential return to continental action, but questions remain over whether he will actually feature in the match.

The 40-year-old has been managing his workload this season, with Al-Nassr carefully balancing his fitness across domestic and international commitments. Despite being listed in the official matchday squad, the team’s coaching staff have not confirmed if Ronaldo will start, come off the bench, or be rested.

Al-Nassr currently lead their group in the competition and are aiming to secure qualification to the next round. FC Goa, on the other hand, face a challenging task away from home and will be preparing to counter Al-Nassr’s attacking depth — even if Ronaldo is not in the starting eleven.

The anticipation surrounding Ronaldo’s possible appearance has generated excitement among fans across Asia. His presence, even on the bench, is expected to draw large crowds to the stadium and significant viewership worldwide.

For Al-Nassr, this fixture provides an opportunity to maintain their strong momentum and demonstrate the strength of their squad depth. Whether or not Ronaldo plays, the Saudi side will look to finish the job and progress comfortably in the tournament.

As the team prepares for kickoff in Riyadh, all eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo — waiting to see if the football legend steps back onto the Asian stage.

Events in Goa

AIFF Proposes Goa as Host for Super Cup 2025; Winner to Earn AFC Champions League Playoff Slot

Tanisha Cardozo

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.

Sports

FC Goa Return to Continental Football with High-Stakes Clash Against Al Seeb Club

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Indian Super League (ISL) outfit FC Goa are back on the Asian stage this Wednesday, taking on Oman’s Al Seeb Club in the preliminary stage of the AFC Champions League Two at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa.

This marks the Gaurs’ first continental outing since 2021, when they made history as the first Indian club to compete in the AFC Champions League group stage. Their ticket to this year’s Preliminary Stage came courtesy of their Kainga Super Cup triumph last season.

The challenge ahead is no small feat. Al Seeb Club are one of Oman’s top footballing forces, having won the Oman Professional League in each of the last two seasons. In 2022, they etched their name in history by becoming the only Omani club to win the AFC Cup — now rebranded as the AFC Champions League Two.

The match is a straight knockout, with the winner advancing to the group stage. For FC Goa, it’s a golden opportunity to extend their continental journey, and they’ll have the backing of passionate home fans under the floodlights in Fatorda.

Back in 2021, FC Goa showcased grit and quality in Asia, holding their own with three draws against tough sides like Al Rayyan (Qatar), Al Wahda (UAE) and Persepolis FC (Iran) — the latter making it to the quarter-finals before bowing out to eventual champions Al Hilal FC.

Match Details:

  • Fixture: FC Goa vs Al Seeb Club
  • Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa
  • Date: 13 August, 2025
  • Kick-Off: 7:30 PM