FC Goa returns this week to the Elite phase of Asia, because on Wednesday it is in their AFC D -opener in their AFC Champions League 2 Group D opener in their AFC D -opener in Goa.
It is the second continental campaign of FC Goa after the 2020/21 adventure – played behind closed doors – and a first chance for fans to witness the club on the Great Night of Asia.
Manolo Marquez, now at the helm in his third season, brings one side in resilience. Goa earned his place in the hard way and Al Seeb 2-1 in the provisional round of last month in Goa.
The Gaurs come in a formidable group that also contains Saudi -heavy weights Al Nassr and Tadjiek Outfit ISHTIQLOL FC -context that underlines the Underdog tag of the club and the scale of the challenge for the challenge.
In terms of plow, there is a concern for the Gaurs, because India International Sandesh Jhingan provides a face injury at the National Service and will be assessed, close to the kick -off.
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Marquez is expected to lean on all six of his foreign options, with David Timor, Pol Moreno and Javi Siverio – impressive in their first competitive outing – experience and bite about the spine of the team. Midfield control, compact distances out of possession, and SET-piece discipline will be central in the GOA plan against physically impressive opposition.
On the other hand, ZaWraa arrived after a summer recording with no fewer than 12 new signing sessions and the appointment of head coach Abdul Ghani Shahzad. The Baghdad club has a considerable international pedigree, with a maximum of eight Iraq internationals, including the leader of the national team and goalkeeper Jalal Hassan.
The new foreign additions offer threats and craftsmanship, with striker Reziq Bani Hani and no. 10 Mohammed Qasim among the most important men to watch. Al Zawraa’s air power and presence on second balls are striking properties, making Dead-Ball moments and defensive transitions crucial battlefields.
This luminaire also marks the sixth performance of Al Zawraa in the most important competition of Asia, earned via a League runner-up finish certificate from consistency at the domestic level.
With the home crowd behind them and Continental Football who finally returns to fans, the Gaurs will look for a statement result to set the tone for a demanding group campaign.
Published on September 16, 2025
