Hawally ,Kuwait, 24 October (H.S.): FC Goa’s campaign in the 2026–27 AFC Challenge League came to an end on Friday, October 23, after the Indian Super League side suffered a 1–2 defeat to Kuwait’s Al Qadsia SC in their final Group C fixture. The loss left FC Goa third in the group and eliminated them from the competition, while Al Qadsia completed the group stage with a perfect record to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

The match, played at Mohammed Al Hamad Stadium, began with Al Qadsia taking the lead in the 10th minute through Hamza Khabba. Connecting with a cross from Rashed Al Dosari, Khabba produced a diving header that sent the ball into the bottom-left corner of the net.

FC Goa sought an immediate response, with Malsawmsanga K.C. attempting a shot from the left side of the penalty area, only for the ball to sail over the crossbar. Khabba had another opportunity to extend Al Qadsia’s advantage in the 16th minute, but his header also went over the goal.

The Indian side restored parity in the 21st minute. Following Alex Zalaiya’s header from a corner, the ball fell to Chikhi, who headed home from close range to make it 1–1.

Both teams continued to push for the lead. Al Qadsia’s Bader Al-Mutawa saw his effort blocked by the FC Goa defence, while Goa captain Sandesh Jhingan headed wide after connecting with a corner delivered by Muhammad Nemil.

Al Qadsia regained the advantage four minutes into the second half. In the 49th minute, Al-Mutawa and Khabba exchanged passes outside the penalty area before Khabba unleashed a curling effort into the top-left corner, leaving goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani’s side trailing once again.

The Kuwaiti club came close to adding a third in the 65th minute. Ayoub Lakhdar met an excellent lofted pass from Khabba, but his attempt went over the advancing goalkeeper Lara Sharma and the crossbar. Lakhdar threatened again in the 80th minute after dribbling past two defenders and entering the penalty area, but his shot struck the right post and rebounded into play.

FC Goa were unable to find a second equaliser despite their efforts, bringing their continental campaign to a close with three points from three group matches. They had lost their opening fixture against Tajikistan’s FC Regar-TadAZ before registering a victory over Bangladesh’s Fortis FC in their second outing.

Al Qadsia, meanwhile, won all three of their Group C matches and finished at the top of the standings, becoming the group’s sole representative to advance to the quarter-finals.

The defeat ends FC Goa’s run in the competition, while Al Qadsia move forward after a commanding group-stage performance.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar