(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
FC Goa stumbled in their second group stage match of the AFC Champions League Two, falling 0-2 to hosts Istiklol FC in Hisor, Tajikistan, on Wednesday. The Indian Super League side now faces back-to-back defeats in the tournament.
Istiklol took control early, bossing possession and forcing FC Goa to hunker down in defense. Coach Manolo Marquez’s team held firm, keeping the Tajik champions at bay through a gritty first half. FC Goa’s Hrithik Tiwari shone in goal, frustrating Istiklol’s attacks.
The visitors nearly struck first in the 22nd minute. A corner kick landed perfectly for defender Pol Moreno, who volleyed it on the turn—but his shot sailed just over the bar.
FC Goa kept Istiklol scoreless at halftime, but trouble brewed right after the break. In the 46th minute, Sandesh Jhingan’s partial clearance from a cross left Rustam Soirov with an easy tap-in, putting the home team ahead 1-0. That goal fired up Istiklol, who piled on the pressure, though FC Goa dug deep to stay in the fight.
The Gaurs created a golden opportunity in the 74th minute. Dejan Drazic whipped in a dangerous cross for Javier Siverio, but Istiklol keeper Nikola Stosic made two quick saves to snuff it out.
Moments later, Istiklol struck again. Reza Dehghani unleashed a low drive from the edge of the box, doubling the lead to 2-0 and sealing FC Goa’s fate. The Indian side pushed hard for a late rally, but Istiklol held on for the vital three points.
This loss follows FC Goa’s opening defeat to Al Zawraa. They look to bounce back when they host Saudi giants Al Nassr in Goa on October 22.
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