FC Goa to face FK Arkadag in AFC Champions League Two qualifier

FC Goa is set to face Turkmenistan’s FK Arkadag in the AFC Champions League Two preliminary stage qualifier on August 12, 2026. The match will take place at the Arkadag Stadium in Turkmenistan. The winner of this clash will secure a spot in the ACL Two group stage, while the losing side will be demoted to the 2026/27 AFC Challenge League.

This match marks a new era for FC Goa under head coach Gouramangi Singh, who succeeds Manolo Marquez. Singh, a former India defender and long-time assistant coach, faces a significant challenge against a club that has established itself as a regular in Asian competitions despite being founded only in 2023. FK Arkadag recently reached the ACL Two Round of 16 and won the inaugural AFC Challenge League in 2025.

FC Goa’s squad has undergone significant changes, with only Sandesh Jhingan and Udanta Singh remaining from the previous season's regulars. The team is integrating several new foreign signings and domestic players, including potential debutants like Saveme Tariang and Alex Zalaya. Coach Singh has indicated that the team is preparing for a tactical battle, expecting Arkadag to utilize a 4-2-3-1 formation against teams of similar strength.