Super Cup champions FC Goa begin their continental journey against Turkmen champions FK Arkadag, with a place in the next round at stake.
Kolkata, August 12: Another representative from India, the Super Cup champions FC Goa, are set for a continental challenge tonight as they face FK Arkadag of Turkmenistan in the AFC Champions League Two preliminary stage. The Gaurs will look to begin their campaign on a strong note when they meet the Turkmen side, with the action getting underway at 8:30 PM IST at Arkadag stadium.
Before the clash, the Gaurs announced a 23-player squad under new head coach India’s very own Gauramangi Singh who led the Gaurs as the assistant coach from last two seasons. The 23-member squad includes several new signings and previous players, making it a mixed and balanced squad to face the reigning Turkmen champions. With a spot in the next round on the line, the Gaurs will be looking to carry that winning pedigree into Asia.
The squad carries a blend of Indian talent and overseas experience, with four foreigners set to add an extra dimension to the Gaurs’ setup. Alex Zalaya will strengthen the defence, Alexander Vallejo and Franchu bring options in midfield, while Christian Borrego provides an attacking presence. Alongside the quartet, several new signings make the group a fresh and competitive unit for the challenge ahead.
The squad features four academy graduates who have earned their place in the FC Goa first team, Sitroy Carvalho, Lionel Daryl Rymmei, Akash Singh Konsam and Wellington Fernandes. Their inclusion adds a strong homegrown touch to the squad, with the FC Goa Academy pathway continuing to bring local and young talent into the senior setup.
Know the opponent:
FC Goa’s opponents are not entirely new to Indian football, as FK Arkadag faced East Bengal FC in the AFC Challenge League last season. The Turkmen side came out on top across the two-legged quarter-final, giving them previous experience of playing against an Indian club in continental competition. That history adds another interesting layer to tonight’s meeting between Arkadag and FC Goa.
FK Arkadag may be a young club, having been established only three years ago, but they have already made their mark by becoming the inaugural winners of the AFC Challenge League and still unbeaten in Turkmenistan League Yokary Liga. The Turkmen side will be led by their new head coach Nergen Orazov and have a squad made up entirely of domestic players, with most of them representing the national team. Among their key players are defender Mekan Saparov, midfielders Ahmet Atayev and Mirza Bekrazarov, left winger Yazgylyc Gurbanov, goalkeeper Rasul Caryyev, and star striker Didar Durdyydev.
Problems have emerged even before kick-off, with uncertainty surrounding live coverage of the FC Goa vs FK Arkadag AFC Champions League Two play-off. There is still no confirmed information on whether the match will be produced or whether a broadcast feed or streaming platform will be available, leaving fans waiting for clarity ahead of the much-anticipated continental clash.
FC Goa’ AFC Champions League Two Preliminary Stage Squad:
Goalkeepers: Bob Jackson Raj, Lara Sharma, Lionel Daryl Rymmei.
Defenders: Rudra Ved, Ronney Willson, Saveme Tariang, Sandesh Jhingan, Sitroy Carvalho, Akash Singh Konsam, Nim Dorjee, Alex Zalaya.
Midfielders: Harsh Patre, Tomba Singh, Franchu, Udanta Singh, Alexander Vallejo, Wellington Fernandes, Prachit Gaonkar.
Forwards: Muhammed Nemil, Isak Ralte, KC Malsawmsanga, Haodamlian Vaiphei, Christian Borrego.
Gauramangi Singh admitted that FC Goa are expecting a difficult test against FK Arkadag, also stated that the team has had enough time to prepare for the challenge. The Gaurs have spent the last four weeks preparing specifically for the game and have also studied Arkadag, a side they already know from their previous continental campaign. While Singh acknowledged Arkadag’s quality and their strong run in the AFC competition last season, he believes FC Goa are prepared to compete and give themselves a chance of taking something from the game.
Sandesh Jhingan acknowledged the quality of FK Arkadag, especially their attacking strength, while pointing out their remarkable domestic record over the last few seasons. However, the FC Goa captain is not looking at the opposition alone. He believes having Gauramangi Singh, one of India’s finest former centre-backs, at the helm gives the team someone who can guide them through a difficult game. For Jhingan, the result will ultimately come down to how both teams perform on the day. Despite respecting Arkadag, FC Goa’s focus remains simple, to win the game and get the best possible result as a team.
Coache’s View
Gauramangi Singh said
“We are FC Goa, we will compete until the end to get the best possible result.
We studied the opponent’s team. FK Arkadag performed well at the last competition, and we prepared well for this match, and this is football, everything can happen. We will compete with the team to the end, and we will try to show a good result from our side. We are FC Goa.
Whenever we enter the pitch, we always try to win the game”
There will be no live broadcast of the clash, with the home side holding the broadcast rights as per the AFC rules. FC Goa, therefore, have no say in the availability of the match coverage.
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