India’s FC Goa qualified for the group stage of the AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 after edging Omani champions Al Seeb Club 2-1 in the preliminary round at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa, on Wednesday. The win sees the Gaurs join Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the continental tournament’s group stage.
Drazic’s magic puts Goa ahead
The opening minutes saw FC Goa show intent, but Al Seeb dominated possession early on. The visitors, however, struggled to create clear chances, while the Gaurs looked threatening from set-pieces. The breakthrough came in the 24th minute when Dejan Drazic latched onto a ball from his own half, skipped past the onrushing goalkeeper with a deft touch, and calmly chipped over a retreating defender from the edge of the box to make it 1-0.
Siverio doubles the advantage
After halftime, FC Goa continued to press and doubled their lead in the 51st minute through Javier Siverio. The Spaniard converted after a well-worked move, putting the home side in a commanding position. Al Seeb, the 2022 AFC Cup champions, looked to respond quickly but faced a compact and disciplined Goa defence.
Nervy finish after Al Seeb strike
The visitors pulled one back in the 60th minute when Nasser Al-Rawahi found the net, injecting tension into the contest. Al Seeb pushed for an equaliser and came close just before halftime with a dangerous free-kick from Al Sulaiman Al-Busaidi, which flashed across the goalmouth and went narrowly wide. In the final stages, FC Goa held firm to secure their passage to the group stage.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant had already secured a direct group stage berth by winning the 2024-25 Indian Super League Shield.
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