FC Goa fight back to beat Fortis FC 2-1 in AFC Challenge League Group C
FC Goa beat Bangladesh’s Fortis FC 2-1 in Group C of the 2026-27 AFC Challenge League on 20 October 2026, coming from behind with a late winner after Rafayel Tudu had levelled for Fortis. The result kept Goa in contention in the group after an earlier loss to Regar-TadAZ and handed them three points in a match that contained periods of control and alarm.
The opening goal arrived in the 6th minute when Muhammed Nemil started the move from deep, Udanta Singh overlapped and delivered a cross that Jorge Ortiz headed home. Fortis had arrived in the match after a defeat to Qadsia SC, and FC Goa’s early intensity eased after the half-hour mark as their pressing dropped and the tempo slowed. At halftime Ortiz and Harsh Patre were replaced by Franchu and Sawmsanga, a change the report described as reflecting staff dissatisfaction with control of the game.
Fortis drew level in the 78th minute through Rafayel Tudu, and FC Goa responded seven minutes later when Franchu carried the ball through midfield before releasing Chiki, who curled a finish into the top-left corner in the 85th minute. Chiki’s goal was his second of the tournament and arrived on the counter while the match was level; the report credited Franchu’s impact off the bench with supplying the decisive pass. The match flow underlined a contrast between Goa’s early sharpness and the loss of directness in the second half.
Defensive organisation was a recurring concern: the equaliser came from a Fortis counter in which Tudu was allowed to feint past defenders and beat goalkeeper Lara Sharma, and the report noted that Goa were stretched with too many players committed forward and insufficient cover. Fortis tested Goa on transitions when the first half became stop-start, and the article warned that Qadsia SC — who had beaten Fortis 3-0 — would be a more clinical opponent if Goa’s defence remained loose.
Indian players were prominent in the contest: Udanta Singh created the opener, kept stretching Fortis in the second half and drew the rash challenge that earned Essa Jallow a straight red card in the 90+6 minute. Muhammed Nemil was credited with initiating the opening goal and providing composure in build-up play, while Tomba Singh came on for the injured Prachit Gaonkar in the 55th minute and was reported to have slotted in without disruption.
The result moved FC Goa back into contention with three points in Group C; the group was described as tight after Regar-TadAZ and Qadsia SC, both winners on Matchday 1, set the early pace. Fortis remained pointless after two games, and FC Goa were listed as third with 3 points and a 0 goal difference following the match. Chiki was noted as FC Goa’s top scorer in the AFC Challenge League with 2 goals.
"A WIN IN ASIA! 👊🏻🔥 Three points in the bag as we claim our first AFC Challenge League win! 🦬#ForcaGoa #GaursInAsia pic.twitter.com/nXcu67EB2A"
The report concluded that Goa must stop allowing opponents a route back into games and combine their early sharpness with sustained control for the full 90 minutes; if they do so, a knockout spot in the competition was described as realistic, otherwise they risk continuing to depend on late heroics. For now, FC Goa have the points and work to do on those details.
