FC Goa to open AFC Challenge League 2026-27 against Regar-TadAZ in Hawally on October 17
FC Goa will begin their 2026-27 AFC Challenge League campaign against Tajikistan side Regar-TadAZ at the Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium in Hawally, Kuwait on Saturday, 17 October 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:55 PM IST.
Only the winner of the group is guaranteed a place in the quarterfinals, so FC Goa need maximum points from the group stage and will seek a clinical display in their opener. This season marks FC Goa’s first appearance in the AFC Challenge League, though the club has continued to feature in Asian competitions over the last few years. The group-stage schedule has a short turnaround between matches, requiring the Gaurs to be proactive across the space of a week to dominate their section.
Head coach Gouramangi Singh has urged his side to maintain a compact defensive shape, be efficient on transitions, create chances innovatively and finish opportunities ruthlessly. Singh is monitoring the fitness of midfielder Franchu, who was substituted in the first half of FC Goa’s 2026-27 Indian Super League opener against Chennaiyin FC. A strong result in the opening match would provide a confidence boost for Goa, while a defeat could harm their qualification prospects.
Regar-TadAZ qualified for the AFC Challenge League by winning the Tajikistan Cup last season and bring considerable Asian experience, having played in continental competitions across the 21st century. The club participated in the AFC Challenge League last season but were eliminated in the group stages, and coach Alisher Tukhtaev is preparing his side for a more impactful campaign this time. Tukhtaev has emphasised the need for a sturdy defensive shape to frustrate FC Goa and sharp, incisive attacking patterns to break the opposition down.
The projected lineups named ahead of the match are: FC Goa — Lara Sharma (GK), Akash Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Alex Zalaya, Aakash Sangwan, Alex Vallejo, Prachit Gaonkar, Jorge Ortiz, Udanta Singh, Muhammed Nemil, Chiki. Regar-TadAZ — Takam Takam (GK), Sorbon Glosov, Joseph Feumba, Ndongo Foe, Daler Imomnazarov, Abdukrakhmon Nozimov, Nozim Babajanov, Azizbek Khaitov, Martin Assomo, Amirdzhon Safarov, Manuel Mbollo.
Spanish striker Chiki scored in his Indian Super League debut for FC Goa in the recent draw against Chennaiyin FC and will be relied upon to be decisive in the AFC Challenge League opener. The forward scored six goals for Spanish club Cartagena last season and is regarded in the preview as a menacing threat inside the opposition penalty area; he will be expected to make intelligent off-the-ball movements and finish chances clinically.
Manuel Mbollo is set to spearhead the Regar-TadAZ attack and carry major responsibilities in the final third. The 23-year-old Cameroonian forward will be asked to use his power and smart runs into the final third to create and finish opportunities, and Regar-TadAZ arrive with what the preview describes as a fit enough squad for the group stages.
The match will take place on Saturday, 17 October 2026 at the Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium in Hawally, Kuwait with kick-off at 6:55 PM IST; telecast details are yet to be confirmed. Gouramangi Singh is listed as the head coach of FC Goa.