FC Goa must beat Al-Qadsia to keep quarterfinal hopes alive in 2026-27 AFC Challenge League
FC Goa must beat Al-Qadsia SC in their final group-stage match of the 2026-27 AFC Challenge League to retain a strong chance of reaching the quarterfinals, with the Kuwaiti side enjoying home-field advantage. Al-Qadsia have won both of their group matches to date and present a formidable challenge.
Al-Qadsia SC trace their origins to 1953 when they were founded as Al-Jazira and adopted the Al-Qadsia name in 1960. The club claimed its first Kuwait Premier League title in 1968-69 and developed a rivalry with Al-Arabi during that decade. Across domestic competitions the Yellow Castle have won the Kuwait Premier League 17 times, the Kuwait Emir Cup 17 times (the most in the country), the Kuwait Crown Prince Cup nine times and the Kuwait Super Cup seven times. On the continental stage they won the AFC Cup in 2014, have lifted the GCC Champions League twice, reached the AFC Champions League semifinals in 2006 during two appearances in that competition, finished runners-up of the AFC Cup twice in eight appearances, and their participation in the 2026-27 AFC Challenge League marks a return to continental football after a six-year gap.
Mohammed Ebrahim Hajeyah maintains a long association with the club, having played for Al-Qadsia from 1980 to 1995 — a 15-year playing career — and later managing the side on seven separate occasions including his current stint. The 64-year-old has led Al-Qadsia to six Kuwait Premier League titles and four Emir Cup wins as a manager. He took charge at the start of the 2026-27 season and has stated his determination to help the club perform strongly in the AFC Challenge League and potentially even win the title.
Under Hajeyah Al-Qadsia have adopted an attack-minded approach, preferring a 4-3-3 formation and focusing on quick forward passes that bring multiple players into the final third. That style produced a 3-0 win over Fortis FC in their opening group-stage match and has emphasized chance creation from wide areas with wingers tasked with troubling opposing backlines. The manager’s setup seeks to dominate possession and construct rapid attacking moves in the continental competition.
Forward Hamza Khabba has been a focal point of Al-Qadsia’s attack since arriving in the 2026 summer window, registering three goal involvements in the club’s first group-stage match; he is 30 years old. The article notes Khabba may have had a shaky 2025-26 season at FAR Rabat but also records his past scoring feats in Kuwait, specifically that he scored 36 goals in 13 games for Al-Arabi. He is described as versatile, prone to dropping into pockets to create for teammates and making clever off-the-ball runs, and will need to be especially clinical to trouble FC Goa.
Winger Nasser Al-Rawahi joined Al-Qadsia before the start of the 2026-27 AFC Challenge League campaign and is 25 years old. Formerly of Al-Seeb, Al-Rawahi was a persistent threat in the match against Fortis FC and is noted for his ability to operate across wide areas and switch positions to surprise opponents. The report adds he can use changes of pace to get into prime areas but must be more decisive with his final passes and shooting if he is to make a bigger impact.
Al-Qadsia have stated their intent to win the group and will aim to sustain the attacking momentum showcased under Hajeyah while remaining mindful of FC Goa’s frontline threat. The Kuwaiti side plan to dominate possession, win the ball in key midfield areas and create regular big chances, using their current form and home advantage to energize their supporters. FC Goa, meanwhile, posted on social media: "Miles away from home, but never alone. 🟠Wherever we go, you show up. Thank you for standing by the Gaurs and showing us so much love. We felt your support last night. We'll come back stronger. 👊🏻🧡#ForcaGoa #FCGoa #GaursInAsia pic.twitter.com/5YNiSiuPfJ"
The two teams meet in the final group-stage fixture of the 2026-27 AFC Challenge League; FC Goa must win to preserve a strong chance of advancing to the quarterfinals, while Al-Qadsia arrive having won both of their group matches and with the stated objective of topping the group.