Chiki’s goal not enough as FC Goa bow out of AFC Challenge League

When Chiki struck early against Regar-TadAZ in the opening group-stage encounter, many believed FC Goa could make it to the knockout stage of the AFC Challenge League.Instead, Goa conceded twice in the last five minutes and lost the opener. They then clawed their way back with a late win against Bangladesh’s Fortis FC, but the 2-1 loss against Kuwait’s Qadsia SC meant the Super Cup champions finished a poor third in the group.Qadsia were the undisputed toppers, winning all three games. Three teams – Goa, Fortis and Regar-TadAZ – finished with three points each, but the Bangladesh side were placed second, thanks to their better goal difference after a mini tiebreaker between the tied teams.“A disappointing end to a campaign that deserved a far better finish,” FC Goa Fan Club said in a post on social media. “Refereeing decisions didn’t help, but the overall performance lacked the conviction needed to go further. For all the promise and potential, FC Goa bowed out tamely, leaving behind a genuine opportunity to make a mark on the continental stage.”It didn’t help that Goa had five players missing the crucial tie against Qadsia at the Mohammed Al Hamad Stadium in Kuwait on Saturday. Goalkeeper Bob Raj concussed heavily in the opener and couldn’t take the field for a minimum of seven days as per concussion protocols. Aakash Sangwan, Prachit Gaonkar and Isak Vanlalruatfela were nursing injuries, while Jorge Ortiz could play only the last 20 minutes.“It was a difficult game for us, but we fought,” said Goa coach Gouramangi Singh. “We conceded early goals in both halves, which was very unfortunate. The plan was to avoid those goals and really try and win the game, which didn't happen. Unfortunately, we couldn't avoid those early goals.”Goa needed a win to top the group and qualify for the quarterfinals. That wasn’t going to be easy against the local side who had won both their group-stage games at home, without breaking a sweat.Hamza Khaba gave the home team an early lead which was cancelled out by Chiki, who nodded home from close range after Alex Zalaya’s headed pass from a corner fell kindly for the Spanish striker. Qadsia, however, were the dominant side and surprised nobody when they grabbed all points with Khaba scoring his second in the 49th minute.The ACL exit adds to Goa’s difficulties this season. The former ISL Shield winners had to let go of coach Manolo Marquez and several regulars due to a reduced budget. Despite the limitations, the club believed they had put together a competitive squad, one that was good enough to go far in continental competitions.Instead, they’ve won only one of their five competitive games this season, lost three in Asia and finished third among four group-stage teams in Asian football’s third tier club competition.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Goa | Silver Rate in Goa | Bank Holidays in Goa | Public Holidays in Goa | Petrol Price in GoaStay updated with the latest Goa news. Download the TOI App.