Istiklol Vs FC Goa Highlights, AFC Champions League 2: IST 2-0 FCG; Gaurs Comprehensively Beaten In Tajikistan

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 Group D showdown between Istiklol and FC Goa from Tajikistan.

FC Istiklol aim to recover from a heavy 0-5 defeat to Al Nassr in their opening fixture as they face FC Goa tonight. The Azerbaijani side will be desperate to bounce back and avoid another setback in Group D.

The Gaurs had opened the ACL 2 campaign with a disappointing 0-2 defeat at the hands of Al-Zawraa and will look to bounce back in this away tie.

The match kicks off at 7:15pm IST. The FC Istiklol vs FC Goa, AFC Champions League 2 match will be live-streamed on the Fancode app and website in India. It will not be telecast on any TV channel in the country.

Here is FC Goa's line-up for the face-off with Istiklol:

Play gets underway at the Hisor Central Stadium. FC Goa, in a new white away kit, kicking from right to left and Istiklol, in their familiar red colours, attacking from left to right in the first half.

No real breakthrough for either side yet, as the duels have been confined to the midfield and final third penetrations few and far between. Still early days in the game though.

After an extended period of Istiklol hogging possession, FC Goa finally make a move and earn their first corner of the match in the 22nd minute. Borja with the delivery and Pol Moreno has a huge chance in the box. He shoots on the turn from close range but the ball flies over the bar.

Istiklol continue to largely dictate proceedings, keeping the ball with them for the most part and leaving FC Goa to play catch-up. If this pattern of play extends, Goa's only option would be to make the most of whatever few openings they get through the course of the match. The one off the corner to Moreno was one such opening.

Chances at both ends in quick succession. Borja responds to a good cross and his header is directed towards the top corner, but tipped away by a diving Istiklol goalkeeper. Moments later, Goa goalie Hrithik is made to stretch to keep out a shot. The first half ends, after a minute of added time, goalless.

Horror start to the second half for FC Goa. Rustam Soirov puts the home side ahead seconds after kick-off. A cross swings into the FC Goa box and Safarov heads it towards goal. Sandesh Jhingan is unable to clear it and Soirov pounces on the ball immediately. The Gaurs are put on the backfoot right at the outset.

FC Goa now appearing a bit jaded with the Istiklol onslaught. The lack of possession, coupled with the early second-half goal, making matters difficult for Manolo Marquez's side. It would take something special for them to bounce back from here.

Is that the game? Reza Dehghani produces a scintillating, low strike from outside the box to beat Hrithik and score Istiklol's second goal in the 74th minute. The wind would have gone out of FC Goa's sails with this goal, as around 13 minutes remain in the contest.

Five minutes added to regulation time in the second half. Victory or even a draw is out of reach for FC Goa at this point, and seem to be waiting for the final whistle at this point.

There comes the full-time whistle, and FC Goa's ordeal ends. They have been outplayed by a strong Istiklol team, who were always fancied to win against the Gaurs at home. Manolo Marquez's side thus lose their second straight game of the campaign, while Istiklol notch up their first win by a 2-0 margin.