Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: FC Goa secured a hard fought 2-1 victory over Bangladesh’s Fortis FC in their AFC Challenge League 2026/27 Group C encounter in Hawally on Tuesday, bouncing back from their opening defeat with a decisive late goal.
Jorge Ortiz gave the Indian side an early lead before Rafayel Tudu equalised for Fortis in the 78th minute. Chiki then struck five minutes from time to seal all three points for FC Goa.
Goa started aggressively, with Muhammed Nemil firing wide following a quick counterattack. Their pressure paid off in the sixth minute when Udanta Singh delivered an excellent cross into the penalty area. Ortiz rose unmarked to head towards goal, with the effort deflecting off Ananta Tamang and into the net.
Ortiz continued to trouble the Fortis defence, shooting wide before forcing goalkeeper Sujan Perera into a save in the 14th minute. Sandesh Jhingan subsequently came close from the resulting corner, narrowly missing the left post.
Fortis gradually found their rhythm and threatened in the 36th minute when Pa Omar Babou’s long range attempt was saved by Lara Sharma. Essa Jallow then saw his header from Babou’s cross blocked as Goa carried their narrow advantage into half time.
After the restart, FC Goa pushed for a second goal. Francisco Feuillassier set up Jhingan for a header in the 52nd minute, but Perera rushed off his line to clear the danger. The Fortis goalkeeper produced another important save in the 61st minute, denying Malsawmsanga KC’s long range effort.
Fortis eventually drew level in the 78th minute. Babou’s incisive pass found Tudu, who shrugged off his marker before calmly finishing past Sharma.
Goa responded strongly and regained the lead in the 85th minute. Feuillassier drove through the middle before releasing Chiki, who lifted the ball over Perera into the top left corner.
Fortis suffered another setback in the seventh minute of stoppage time when Jallow received a second yellow card for a foul on Udanta Singh and was sent off.
FC Goa will next face Kuwait’s Qadsia SC on Friday, while Fortis FC take on Tajikistan’s FC Regar TadAZ.
