FC Goa kicked off their AFC Champions League 2 campaign at home but fell short against Iraq’s Al Zawraa, losing 2–0 in front of their fans in the Fatorda stadium. Despite creating chances, the Indian club lacked sharpness in the final third, while the visitors were more clinical and took their opportunities well.

The match started at a fast pace. In the 5th minute, Al Zawraa almost broke the deadlock when Qasim Majid hit the crossbar, leaving Gaurs defence relieved. FC Goa then tried to respond. In the 7th minute, Boris Singh’s cross from the right found Siverio, forcing the first corner of the game. Just a minute later, in the 8th minute, Drazic delivered a perfect cross for Siverio, but the Spaniard’s header went wide.

Al Zawraa slowly grew into the game. In the 31st minute, Boris made a brilliant run and set up the ball for Borja, but his shot was blocked. In the 41st minute with a diving save Ritwik Tiwari deny Nizar’s header which they attempt from a free kick. But within three minutes Al Zawraa got their lead. In the 44th minute, Reziq Bani Hani pounced after his first shot was blocked and scored from the rebound, giving the visitors a 1–0 lead at the break. FC Goa attempt 9 shots in the half but didn’t made one of on target.

FC Goa began the second half with more urgency. In the 56th minute, Borja again earned a free kick from a promising position, but failed to found the net. Three minutes later, at 59th minute he sent a cross which found Siverio inside the box, but the striker’s acrobatic attempt lacked power.

At 63rd minute, Udanta was fouled near the right corner flag, giving Goa another chance from a set-piece. FC Goa kept pushing. At 73rd minute Al Zawraa switched to defensive mode, sitting deep and protecting their lead. In the 77th minute, FC Goa created a flowing team move, but Brison failed to finish.

In stoppage time, FC Goa nearly paid again. At the 90th minute, they survived when the frame came to their rescue for the second time. Just four minutes later, Siverio had another chance with a header but failed to hit the target. The final blow came in the 95th minute when Nizar Al-Rashdan scored through a crowded box, beating Tiwari at the near post to seal the game 2–0 for Al Zawraa.

FC Goa showed fight and created opportunities but poor finishing let them down. Siverio, who had multiple chances, had a disappointing outing. Al Zawraa, on the other hand, made the most of their key moments, striking once in each half to claim all three points. The Gaurs will now travel away for their next AFC Champions League 2 fixture against FC Istiklol on October 1, hoping to bounce back strongly.