The result confirmed Qadsia SC’s dominance in the group, as the Kuwaiti club maintained a perfect record with three consecutive wins to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the continental competition. For FC Goa, the campaign concludes with one victory—against Bangladesh’s Fortis FC—and two losses, including an opening-day defeat to Tajikistan’s FC Regar-TadAZ.
Qadsia SC Clinch Victory in Hard-Fought Contest
The hosts wasted little time asserting control, opening the scoring in the 10th minute. Hamza Khabba connected with a precise cross from Rashed Al Dosary, directing a diving header into the bottom-left corner to put Qadsia ahead. Although FC Goa attempted to find an immediate response, they struggled to carve out significant opportunities, with Malsawmsanga KC sending an effort over the bar.
The visitors managed to level the score in the 21st minute. Following a corner kick, a header from Alex Zalaya fell perfectly for Chiki, who nodded the ball home from close range. Despite the equaliser, Qadsia remained a constant threat, and the match remained evenly contested until the interval, with both sides missing chances to take the lead before the break.
Qadsia regained the advantage early in the second half, with Khabba striking again in the 49th minute. After a neat exchange of passes with Bader Al Mutawa at the edge of the penalty area, Khabba curled a clinical finish into the top-left corner. The Kuwaiti side continued to press for a third goal, with Ayoub Lakhdar narrowly missing the target in the 65th minute after being set up by a delicate lob from Khabba. FC Goa were spared further damage in the 80th minute when a strike from Lakhdar struck the right post, keeping the final scoreline at 2-1.
