FC Goa Falls Short Against Qadsia SC in AFC Challenge League Match

FC Goa's AFC Challenge League Journey Ends

Hawally, Kuwait - On October 24, FC Goa faced a 1-2 defeat against Qadsia SC in their concluding AFC Challenge League 2026-27 Group C match held at the Mohammed Al Hamad Stadium.

With this loss, FC Goa concluded their campaign in third place, securing three points from a single victory against Fortis FC from Bangladesh. Earlier, they had suffered a defeat against FC Regar-TadAZ from Tajikistan on the first matchday.

Qadsia SC emerged victorious in the group, finishing with a flawless record of three wins, thus qualifying for the quarter-finals of Asia's third-tier men's club tournament, as reported by AFC Media.

The match began with Qadsia taking the lead in the 10th minute, thanks to Hamza Khabba, who executed a diving header from Rashed Al Dosary's cross into the bottom-left corner.

FC Goa attempted to respond but found it challenging to create significant opportunities, with Malsawmsanga KC missing a chance by shooting over the bar from the left side of the box. Qadsia threatened again shortly after, with Khabba heading over from close range after a setup by Bader Al Mutawa.

Goa managed to equalize in the 21st minute when Alex Zalaya's header from a corner fell to Chiki, who scored from close range.

Both teams sought a second goal, with Qadsia's Al Mutawa having his shot blocked, while Goa's captain Sandesh Jhingan headed wide from a corner taken by Muhammed Nemil.

After halftime, Qadsia regained the lead in the 49th minute, with Al Mutawa and Khabba exchanging passes before Khabba curled a shot into the top left corner.

Qadsia nearly extended their lead in the 65th minute when Khabba delivered a lob into the box for Ayoub Lakhdar, who unfortunately lifted his shot over the advancing goalkeeper Lara Sharma and the crossbar.

Goa narrowly avoided further trouble in the 80th minute when Lakhdar maneuvered into the box, beating two defenders, but his shot hit the right post.