PANAJI
FC Goa sealed their spot in the AFC Champions League Two Group Stage after scoring a 2-1 win over Omani club Al Seeb recently at the Fatorda Stadium. The victory ensured that the Gaurs qualified for the main tournament that will feature 32 clubs across Asia.
However, things won’t be easy ahead for the Gaurs when the tournament begins from September 16. The Gaurs have been drawn in Group D, which features Saudi giants Al Nassr, Al Zawraa SC from Iraq and Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol.
Teams in each group will play each other in home and away fixtures, after which the top two will advance to the round of 16.
Let’s look at FC Goa’s group stage opponents.
Al Nassr Club (Saudi Arabia)
Al Nassr is one of Asia’s finest clubs that boasts a rich history of domestic and continental success. They have won 28 official titles across multiple competitions including the Saudi top-tier league nine times, three Crown Prince's Cup titles, and three Saudi Federation Cup titles. They have also been winners of King's Cup on six occasions, Super Cup twice and have also secured both the Asian Cup Winners’ Cup and the Asian Super Cup in 1998.
The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo in January 2023 brought global attention to the club, a move that has been credited with revolutionizing Saudi Arabian football. Since Ronaldo’s arrival, many high-profile European league players have joined the Saudi Pro league.
Al-Nassr has also played a key role in the success of the Saudi Arabia national football team at both the continental and regional levels.
During last season, Al Nassr reached the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite.
Al Zawraa SC (Iraq)
Al Zawraa is a powerhouse in Iraqi football having won fourteen league titles, the most in the country. They have also lifted the Iraq FA Cup sixteen times and Iraqi Super Cup five times.
At the continental level, Al-Zawraa have competed in the AFC Champions League Elite group stage three times and have reached the knockout rounds of the AFC Champions League Two on three occasions.
Their domestic consistency and experience at the Asian level make them a tough opponent.
FC Istiklol (Tajikistan)
The undisputed king of Tajik football, FC Istiklol has won the Tajik League thirteen times, Tajikistan Cup ten times, Tajik Super Cup thirteen times and TFF Cup seven times.
At the continental level, Istiklol has claimed the AFC President’s Cup in 2012 and finished as runners-up in the AFC Cup in 2015 and 2017.
FC Istiklol has also participated in AFC Champions League Elite on multiple occasions. Though their record in the highest tier of Asian club football is not that impressive, considering their regional dominance, they cannot be taken lightly.
