FC Goa secured a 2-1 victory over Fortis FC of Bangladesh in their second Group C match of the AFC Challenge League 2026-27 at Mohammed Al Hamad Stadium in Hawally, Kuwait, on Tuesday.
The AIFF Super Cup champions, who lost their opening match 1-2 to Tajikistan’s FC Regar-TadAZ, kept their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive with this win. FC Goa will face Kuwait’s Qadsia SC in the final group match on Friday, aiming to qualify for the last eight. According to AFC Media, only the group winners and the best second-placed team across the three West Zone groups will progress.
FC Goa displayed early initiative as Muhammed Nemil’s shot went wide following a quick counter-attack. The Gaurs opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Udanta Singh Kumam delivered a precise cross to the unmarked Jorge Ortiz, whose header was deflected into the net by Ananta Tamang.
Ortiz continued to pose a threat with a wide shot and a saved attempt, while Fortis mounted a counter in the 36th minute, with Pa Omar Babou’s long-range effort saved by goalkeeper Lara Sharma. Essa Jallow then had a header blocked, allowing Goa to maintain a narrow lead at half-time.
After the break, FC Goa pushed to extend their lead. Francisco Feuillassier’s set-up allowed Sandesh Jhingan a header, but Fortis goalkeeper Sujan Perera cleared the danger in the 52nd minute. Perera also saved a long-range strike from Malsawmsanga KC in the 61st minute as Fortis absorbed pressure.
Fortis equalised in the 78th minute when Stephen Chukwude provided a through ball for Rafayel Tudu, who overcame his defender and scored past Lara Sharma.
Responding confidently, FC Goa regained the lead in the 85th minute as Feuillassier advanced through the centre and passed to Chiki, who lobbed the ball over Perera into the top left corner.
Fortis’s difficulties increased when Essa Jallow received a second yellow card for a foul on Udanta Singh in the seventh minute of added time and was sent off.