FC Goa will head back to continental football on Nov 25, traveling to Baghdad, Iraq, for a decisive AFC Champions League Two Group D match against Al Zawraa SC, per LatestNewsX. The game at Al‑Zawraa Stadium carries weight for both teams.
After four games, Goa know their chances of advancing are slim, and winning the remaining fixtures is the only way to keep the dream alive. Al‑Zawraa are in a similar must‑win situation, promising a tense showdown in West Asia.
Although Goa haven’t faced as many recent competitive opponents as the Iraq side, they have trained deliberately and kept their preparation on track. Their sharp displays in the Super Cup wins over Jamshedpur FC and Inter Kashi demonstrated what the squad can achieve when they hit form.
Head coach Manolo Márquez emphasized the team’s mentality and approach: “It’s just the fifth game of the competition, and we still have small chances to qualify if we win both matches. We know Al Zawraa also needs to win, so it will be a difficult game. But we’ve prepared for this like any other match. Our intent is always to win, not to sit back, and we’ll give it our all.”
For Goa, the fixture is a must‑win and a chance to secure their first group‑stage points before returning home for the final match in December. A strong performance in Baghdad could inject belief and momentum at a pivotal moment.
Winger Udanta Singh reflected on the squad’s continental experience: “To be honest, it’s a great experience facing some great teams in Asia. It’s the last game of our away matches, so we want to finish strong for our last away group game.”
As the Gaurs take the field under Baghdad’s lights, their goal remains clear: play with purpose, rise to the challenge, and keep the hope of a decisive home win in Goa alive.
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