Heartbreak for FC Goa: Late Collapse Hands Victory to Regar-TadAZ
FC Goa suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Tajikistan's Regar-TadAZ after leading early in their AFC Challenge League opener.
The AIFF Super Cup champions, FC Goa, suffered a crushing blow in their AFC Challenge League opener, conceding two late goals to fall 2-1 against Tajikistan's FC Regar-TadAZ. The match, held at the Mohammed Al Hamad Stadium in Hawally, Kuwait, saw the Indian side dominate for long stretches only to be undone in the final minutes of the game.
Dream Start for the Gaurs
FC Goa began the Group C encounter with intent and couldn't have asked for a better opening. Just seven minutes into the match, the deadlock was broken when Chiki found himself in the middle of the penalty area. With composure and precision, he fired the ball past goalkeeper Severin Takam to give Goa a 1-0 lead.
Goa's Dominance and Near Misses
Following the early goal, FC Goa continued to put pressure on the Central Asian side. In the 21st minute, Jorge Ortiz attempted a stunning 30-yard strike that narrowly sailed over the crossbar. Six minutes later, Ortiz looked set to double the lead after breaking through on goal, but he was denied by a desperate, last-ditch challenge from Ndongo Foe.
Defensively, Goa held firm for the majority of the match. Goalkeeper Bob Jackson produced a vital save to deny Nozim Babajanov's near-post effort, while Manuel Mbollo wasted a chance for Regar-TadAZ by firing his shot high from the edge of the box. Later, in the 56th minute, Lara showed great reflexes to parry away a low curler from Khaitov.
Controversy and the Turning Tide
The match took a tense turn around the hour mark. FC Goa fans and players might have felt aggrieved when Ndongo Foe's lunging challenge on Jorge Ortiz was penalized with only a yellow card by referee Wissam Rabie, allowing Regar-TadAZ to remain with 11 men on the pitch.
The Dramatic Finish
Despite Goa's control, the Tajik side persisted, and their patience paid off in the closing stages of the game:
- 85th Minute: Abdurakhmon Nozimov spotted Faridun Davlatov in space and released him. Davlatov unleashed a powerful, unstoppable shot into the top corner to equalize.
- 90th Minute: In a cruel twist for the Gaurs, the same duo combined again. Nozimov delivered a precise corner, which Davlatov met with a clinical header to seal the 2-1 comeback victory for Regar-TadAZ.
What's Next for FC Goa?
The defeat is a setback for the Indian outfit, but they will look to bounce back quickly. FC Goa is scheduled to face Bangladesh's Fortis FC on Tuesday as they fight to keep their hopes alive in the group stages.