FC Goa seek first group-stage win against Fortis FC in AFC Challenge League clash
FC Goa will attempt to register their first group-stage victory in the 2026-27 AFC Challenge League when they face Fortis FC at the Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium in Hawally, Kuwait on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. The Gaurs arrive looking to recover from a defeat in their opening group match and to regain momentum in the competition.
FC Goa were undone by two late goals in their AFC Challenge League opener against Regar-TadAZ despite producing a largely gritty display, a result that leaves Gourmangi Singh’s side needing points to keep their knockout hopes alive. Fortis FC lost their opening game 3-0 to Oadsia SC, a match in which the home team Qadsia SC were described as being in control and forcing multiple mistakes, including a penalty conceded in the 20th minute. The Bangladeshi side were referred to as unpredictable in the build-up to this fixture.
FC Goa's game plan, according to the pre-match coverage, centres on taking the initiative with attacking football: high-octane build-up play and inventive work in the final third are priorities while remaining respectful to their opponents by maintaining strong defending. The club will be seeking a commanding win to raise spirits and keep themselves in contention for progression from the group. Chiki’s goal against Regar-TadAZ is noted as FC Goa’s first-ever goal scored in an AFC Challenge League match.
Fortis coach Masud Parvez Kaiser is highlighted as needing to tighten his side’s defensive shape after the opening defeat, with emphasis on winning duels and operating sturdily inside their own half to blunt FC Goa’s attacking threat. The coverage also stresses that Fortis must be proactive on attacking transitions and efficient in finishing chances if they are to trouble the Indian club. A positive result for Fortis would be a significant morale boost, while another heavy defeat would severely dent their hopes of advancing.
Injury and squad news from the pre-match notes list Franchu as a major doubt for FC Goa ahead of the clash. Fortis FC are expected to have the same squad available as in their previous AFC Challenge League game. A roster of players mentioned in the pre-match material includes Lara Sharma (GK), Akash Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Alex Zalaya, Ronney Kharbudon, Haobam Singh, Alex Vallejo, Udanta Singh, Muhammed Nemil, Jorge Ortiz, Chiki Sujan Perera (GK), Rasel Hossain, Ananta Tamang, Shian Kawasaki, Yusei Shimomura, Essa Jallow, Anik Bista, Insan Hossen, Shuki Itofusa, Stephen Chukwude and Pa Babou.
The fixture represents the first meeting between FC Goa and Fortis FC in a continental competition, and it is also the first occasion an FC Goa side will face a Bangladeshi club at this level. Fortis FC were founded in 2020 and won their first title in the Bangladesh Championship League in the 2021-22 season.
The match will take place at the Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium in Hawally (Kuwait) and is scheduled to kick off at 6:55 PM IST; it is likely to be live-streamed on YouTube. For further coverage and live updates, follow Khel Now on their social channels and apps as listed in the pre-match information.