FC Goa secured their place in the AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 group stage with a 2-1 victory over Oman's Al Seeb Club at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Wednesday. The Gaurs became the second Indian club to qualify for the continental tournament's group stage, joining Mohun Bagan Super Giant. FC Goa will discover their group stage opponents on Friday.

This marks FC Goa's return to the Asian stage after their historic 2021 campaign when they became the first Indian club to compete in the AFC Champions League group phase. FC Goa secured their spot in this preliminary stage by winning the Super Cup last season.

The match saw head coach Manolo Marquez field all six of his overseas players in the starting line-up, with newcomers Paul Moreno, David Timor, and Javier Siverio making their debuts. The trio left a strong first impression, with Siverio's decisive goal proving pivotal.

Al Seeb started aggressively, with Nasser Al Rawahi forcing defender Pol Moreno into an acrobatic clearance in the second minute. Zahir Al Aghbari's follow-up was blocked. Goa responded, with Drazic breaking free on the left in the ninth minute, but his shot was easily collected by Al Seeb's keeper.

FC Goa took the lead in the 24th minute through Dejan Drazic, who latched onto a through ball and lifted it over the advancing goalkeeper before calmly guiding it into the net. Al Seeb struggled to find space against Goa's defense. Al Seeb thought they had a penalty for a handball by Drazic, but the referee changed the call to a free-kick just outside the box after consulting his assistant.

Goa doubled their advantage in the 52nd minute when Siverio headed in Borja Herrera's cross. The stadium erupted in celebration as the Spanish signing scored on his first appearance.

Al Seeb responded in the 60th minute when Ali Alrawahi capitalized on a lapse in marking to score. Although Al Seeb's goal silenced the Fatorda crowd for a short time, Goa's defense held firm. Hrithik Tiwari, FC Goa's goalkeeper, made a couple of saves in the dying minutes to prevent Al Seeb from equalizing.