FC Goa squander an early lead as Faridun Davlatov scores twice in the closing stages to seal a dramatic Regar-TadAZ comeback in the AFC Challenge League.

Chiki gave FC Goa an early lead, but Faridun Davlatov struck twice in the final five minutes to hand FC Regar-TadAZ a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory in the AFC Challenge League.

FC Goa began their AFC Challenge League 2026-27 campaign with a disappointing defeat, surrendering an early advantage to lose 2-1 against Tajikistan’s FC Regar-TadAZ at the Mohammed Al Hamad Stadium in Hawally, Kuwait, on Saturday, October 17.

The AIFF Super Cup champions appeared to be in control after taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes. However, Regar-TadAZ mounted a determined late comeback, with Faridun Davlatov scoring twice in the 85th and 90th minutes to secure all three points in their Group C opener.

Chiki Gives FC Goa an Early Advantage

Goa made an immediate impact, breaking the deadlock in the eighth minute. Chiki found himself in a promising position inside the penalty area and finished confidently past goalkeeper Severin Takam to put the Indian side ahead.

Regar-TadAZ responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Manuel Mbollo failed to keep his effort down from the edge of the box, while Nozim Babajanov tested Goa goalkeeper Bob Jackson with a strike towards the near post. Jackson dealt with the danger to preserve his team’s advantage.

FC Goa also threatened to extend their lead. Jorge Ortiz attempted a long-range effort from around 30 yards in the 21st minute, but his shot sailed narrowly over the crossbar. Six minutes later, Ortiz broke through towards goal, only for Ndongo Foe to intervene with a crucial last-ditch challenge.

Goa Survive Pressure as the Contest Intensifies

The match remained closely contested after the interval, with both sides looking for the next goal. In the 56th minute, Goa goalkeeper Lara produced an important save to keep out Khaitov’s low, curling attempt from just outside the penalty area.

Regar-TadAZ also had a disciplinary reprieve shortly after the hour mark. Ndongo Foe lunged into a challenge on Ortiz, but referee Wissam Rabie showed the defender a yellow card rather than sending him off.

Despite the growing pressure, Goa remained in front and looked poised to begin their continental campaign with a victory. Their defensive resilience, however, was undone in the closing stages.

Davlatov Double Completes Regar-TadAZ Comeback

Regar-TadAZ finally found the breakthrough in the 85th minute. Abdurakhmon Nozimov picked out Davlatov with a well-timed pass, allowing the forward to unleash a powerful finish into the top corner that left Jackson with little chance.

With the game approaching its conclusion, the Tajik side struck again to turn the match around. Nozimov delivered a corner into the penalty area in the 90th minute, and Davlatov rose to meet it with a decisive header, completing his brace and sealing a remarkable 2-1 victory.

For FC Goa, the late double strike turned a promising opening performance into a frustrating defeat. Regar-TadAZ, meanwhile, claimed a valuable win to begin their Group C campaign on a high.

FC Goa Turn Attention to Fortis FC

FC Goa will look to recover quickly when they face Bangladesh’s Fortis FC in their next AFC Challenge League Group C fixture on Tuesday. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:55 PM IST.

After letting their early lead slip in Kuwait, Goa will need a more composed defensive performance in the closing stages if they are to get their campaign back on track.