Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: FC Goa’s AFC Champions League Two campaign came to an early end after a 3–0 defeat against FK Arkadag in the 2026–27 Preliminary Stage at Arkadag Stadium on Wednesday. The loss sends the Gaurs into the group stage of the AFC Challenge League, with the draw scheduled for August 18 in Kuala Lumpur.
The hosts controlled possession from the opening whistle and repeatedly tested Goa’s defence, but goalkeeper Bob Jackson Raj kept the Indian side in the contest with a series of impressive saves. He denied Begench Akmammedov from close range before producing another crucial stop to keep out Abdy Bashimow’s rebound effort.
Arkadag continued to create chances throughout the first half, while FC Goa struggled to establish any attacking rhythm. The visitors’ best opportunity came in the 42nd minute when Francisco Feuillassier’s delivery from a set piece narrowly evaded Sandesh Jhingan inside the penalty area.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 61st minute as Yazgylych Gurbanov’s cross reached Didar Durdyyew, whose shot slipped past Raj to give Arkadag a deserved lead.
Just three minutes later, Rahman Myratberdiyew doubled the advantage after capitalising on a loose ball and finishing calmly inside the box, leaving FC Goa with a mountain to climb.
Any hopes of a comeback were extinguished in the 75th minute when Arzuvguly Sapargulyev curled a superb free kick into the top corner, completing a dominant performance by the Turkmenistan champions.
Despite a resilient display from Raj, FC Goa were unable to match Arkadag’s intensity and creativity. The defeat ends their bid for a place in the AFC Champions League Two group stage, but the Gaurs will now shift their focus to competing in the AFC Challenge League later this season.
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