Jorge Ortiz and Chiki scored either side of Rafayel Tudu’s equaliser to keep FC Goa’s AFC Challenge League quarter-final hopes alive.

FC Goa secured a crucial 2-1 victory against Bangladesh’s Fortis FC in their second Group C fixture of the AFC Challenge League 2026-27 at the Mohammed Al Hamad Stadium in Hawally, Kuwait, on Tuesday, October 20.

Jorge Ortiz gave the Indian Super Cup champions an early lead before Rafayel Tudu restored parity for Fortis FC in the second half. However, Chiki struck five minutes from time to seal all three points for the Gaurs and keep their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive.

Following their opening 1-2 defeat against Tajikistan’s FC Regar-TadAZ, FC Goa needed a positive result to remain in contention for a place in the knockout stage.

Jorge Ortiz Puts FC Goa Ahead Early

FC Goa began the contest on the front foot, looking to establish control from the opening whistle. Muhammed Nemil came close to opening the scoring after a quick counter-attack but failed to find the target.

The Gaurs took the lead in the sixth minute through Jorge Ortiz. Udanta Singh Kumam delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area, where Ortiz rose to meet it. His header took a deflection off Fortis FC defender Ananta Tamang before finding the back of the net.

Goa continued to threaten the opposition goal, with Ortiz sending another attempt wide shortly after scoring. The forward remained involved in the attacking action, while Sandesh Jhingan came close to extending the advantage with an effort that went narrowly past the post following a corner.

Fortis FC gradually found their rhythm and threatened an equaliser in the 36th minute. Pa Omar Babou tested goalkeeper Lara Sharma with a long-range strike, while Essa Jallow’s subsequent header from Babou’s cross was blocked.

Despite the late pressure from the Bangladeshi side, FC Goa went into the half-time break with a slender 1-0 lead.

Fortis FC Fight Back Through Rafayel Tudu

FC Goa looked determined to increase their advantage after the restart. Francisco Feuillassier created an opportunity for Sandesh Jhingan, but Fortis goalkeeper Sujan Perera reacted quickly to clear the danger in the 52nd minute.

Perera continued to frustrate the Indian side, producing another important save in the 61st minute to deny Malsawmsanga KC from distance.

Fortis FC capitalised on their opportunity in the 78th minute to bring the contest level. Stephen Chukwude played a through ball into the centre, allowing Rafayel Tudu to get past his marker before calmly slotting the ball beyond Lara Sharma.

The equaliser threatened to derail FC Goa’s efforts, but the Indian side responded with renewed attacking intent.

Chiki Delivers the Winning Goal

FC Goa regained the lead in the 85th minute through a well-worked attacking move. Feuillassier drove forward through the middle before releasing a precise pass into the path of Chiki.

The forward produced an excellent finish, lifting the ball over the advancing Perera and into the top-left corner to put the Gaurs ahead once again.

Fortis FC’s challenge became even more difficult deep into stoppage time when Essa Jallow received his second yellow card for a foul on Udanta Singh Kumam. The dismissal, which came in the seventh minute of added time, left the Bangladeshi side with ten players for the closing moments.

FC Goa held on to secure a valuable 2-1 victory and collect their first win of the group stage.

FC Goa Face Crucial Test Against Qadsia SC

The result keeps FC Goa in the race for a place in the AFC Challenge League quarter-finals after their opening-day setback.

The Gaurs will now turn their attention to their final Group C fixture against Kuwait’s Qadsia SC on Friday. The match could prove decisive in determining their progression to the knockout stage.

Under the competition format, the three West Zone group winners and the best second-placed team across the three groups will advance to the quarter-finals.

With qualification still at stake, FC Goa will look to build on their late victory and deliver another strong performance in their final group encounter.