FC Goa Faces Setback Against Al Zawraa SC in AFC Champions League Match

FC Goa's Challenging Match Against Al Zawraa SC

Goa, India - On September 18, FC Goa battled fiercely but ultimately fell short, losing 0-2 to Iraq's Al Zawraa SC during their AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 Group D match held at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. This information was reported by the AIFF.

The match at PJN Stadium was filled with thrilling moments, yet goals from Reziq Banihani and Nizar Alrashdan secured the victory for Al Zawraa.

FC Goa faced an early scare when Mahdi Humaidan intercepted a back pass, charging into the box and setting up Mohammed Qasim, whose powerful shot hit the crossbar.

In the eighth minute, FC Goa created their first opportunity as Dejan Drazic delivered a precise cross from the left, which Javier Siverio headed just over the bar.

The game settled into a quieter phase until the closing moments of the first half, when Nizar Alrashdan's impressive header from a free-kick forced FC Goa's goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari into a remarkable save.

Al Zawraa broke the deadlock in the 44th minute when Abdulkareem found Kadhim Raad in the box, who then set up Banihani. His shot deflected off Nim Dorjee Tamang before finding the net.

Just after the second half began, Al Zawraa nearly extended their lead. Banihani's run into the box resulted in a cutback that was inadvertently redirected towards goal by Nim Dorjee, but Hrithik managed to clear it off the line.

FC Goa fought back with their own chances, including a powerful shot from Ayush Chhetri that was tipped over by Jalal Hassan, followed by a back flick from Siverio that was also saved.

Despite their efforts to equalize, FC Goa almost conceded again in the 90th minute when Ibrahim Gbadamosi struck the post. Alrashdan sealed the win for Al Zawraa in stoppage time with a low shot from the edge of the box.