FC Goa’s likely starting XI to face FK Arkadag in ACL Two preliminary on 12th August
FC Goa will travel to Turkmenistan to face FK Arkadag at the Arkadag Stadium in an AFC Champions League Two Preliminary Stage tie on 12th August. A place in the ACL Two 2026-27 group stage is on the line.
FC Goa arrive as Super Cup champions while East Bengal FC are the other Indian side preparing for ACL Two preliminary fixtures. The match opens a new chapter for Goa under head coach Gouramangi Singh. FK Arkadag are the reigning Turkmenistan champions, founded in 2023, who won the inaugural AFC Challenge League in 2025 and reached the ACL Two knockout stage last season before being eliminated by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.
Goalkeeping selection is unsettled after Hrithik Tiwari was left out of the squad; FC Goa have Bob Jackson Raj, Lara Sharma and Lionel Rymei available. Lara Sharma is considered a likely starter, though Bob Jackson remains a strong alternative. The choice between them will decide the last line of defence for the Gaurs in Turkmenistan.
On the left and at centre back, new signing Saveme Tariang — who joined ahead of the 2026-27 season after a strong IFL 2025-26 campaign with Shillong Lajong FC — could make his debut at left back. Alex Zalaya is expected to start at centre back and is projected to partner Sandesh Jhingan. Sandesh Jhingan is expected to start and is noted in the report for his experience defending sustained attacks and contributing on set pieces.
The right-back spot is unsettled following the departure of Boris Singh and limited minutes for Nim Dorjee and Seriton Fernandes last season. Ronney Willson, 23, featured three times in the ISL last season for Goa and has two previous ACL Two appearances; his versatility at right-sided centre back and right back makes him a candidate to start. The report also allows for the possibility that another player could be selected ahead of him.
Alex Vallejo is expected to anchor the midfield as the defensive midfielder. Tomba Singh, who joins after a productive spell with Inter Kashi FC and appearances for India U-23 last season, is likely to start alongside Vallejo and Franchu and could make his FC Goa debut in the fixture. Franchu, a Real Madrid youth product who arrived at Kerala Blasters in the second half of last season, scored 2 goals and provided 3 assists in 6 games for the Blasters and is projected to lead the creative duties as an attacking midfielder.
In attack, new signing Isak is tipped to start on the left wing and Udanta Singh on the right. Christian ‘Chiki’ Isabel is most likely to lead the line as centre forward; the 29-year-old Spaniard has experience across Spanish club football, including LaLiga 2. Head coach Gouramangi Singh is expected to rely on that attacking group to challenge FK Arkadag.
Kickoff for the preliminary tie is scheduled for 8:30 pm IST at the Arkadag Stadium in Turkmenistan, with the winner advancing to the ACL Two 2026-27 group stage.