Indian Clubs Stumble in AFC Champions League Two Opener: Mohun Bagan and FC Goa’s Tough Start in AFC Champions League Two
The 2025-26 season of the AFC Champions League Two got underway with plenty of optimism for Indian football, but it quickly turned into a tale of frustration. Both Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa, the flag-bearers of the Indian Super League (ISL) on the continental stage, suffered defeats in their group stage openers. Mohun Bagan’s 0-1 loss to Turkmenistan’s Ahal FC at home and FC Goa’s 0-2 reverse against Iraq’s Al-Zawraa SC have left fans questioning the gap between domestic promise and Asian reality. With a demanding slate of matches ahead and India’s AFC club coefficient on the line, these early blows could ripple far beyond the pitch.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant, fresh off their ISL Shield triumph last season, hosted Ahal FC at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on September 16. The Mariners, under coach Jose Francisco Molina, started with intent but couldn’t break through a stubborn Turkmen defense. Ahal struck first in the second half through Magtymberdi Berenov’s clinical finish, and despite Vishal Kaith’s heroics in goal including a string of saves against Suleyman Mirzoyev and Berenov Mohan Bagan’s forwards like Jamie Maclaren and Liston Colaco fired blanks. Possession tilted in their favor, but wastefulness up top and defensive lapses sealed a frustrating 0-1 defeat.
The following day, September 17, FC Goa welcomed Al-Zawraa to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda. The Gaurs, guided by Manolo Marquez and buoyed by their recent Super Cup success, created chances aplenty Javier Siverio’s acrobatic effort and crosses from Borja Herrera and Udanta Singh flashed promise but lacked the killer edge. Al-Zawraa capitalized late in each half: Reziq Bani Hani tapped in a rebound just before the break, and Nizar Al-Rashdan’s low drive squeezed through a crowded box in the 89th minute for 2-0. Goa’s keeper Hrithik Tiwari made a brilliant save on a header, but the Iraqis’ efficiency exposed familiar issues with finishing and resilience under pressure.
These aren’t isolated slips; they underscore Indian clubs’ perennial challenge in converting ISL flair into continental results. Glimpses of quality were there, but execution faltered when it mattered most.
Road Ahead: Fixtures Packed with Pressure and Possibility
The group stage format is unforgiving: eight groups of four teams each, with home-and-away round-robins deciding the top two advancers to the February 2026 round of 16. For Mohun Bagan in Group C (alongside Iran’s Sepahan SC, Jordan’s Al-Hussein SC, and Ahal FC), the schedule offers chances for redemption but also tests of nerve, especially away from Kolkata.
Here’s Mohun Bagan’s path forward: Mohun Bagan’s home games against Sepahan and Al-Hussein could be pivotal, but the away trips especially to Iran will demand the grit missing in the opener. Last season’s withdrawal from an Iranian away fixture due to security concerns adds extra motivation to show up and perform.
FC Goa’s remaining fixtures: FC Goa’s Group D looks even more daunting, pitting them against Saudi giants Al-Nassr (Cristiano Ronaldo’s side). With three home games at Fatorda, Goa has a fortress to lean on—especially against Al-Nassr. On October 22, 2025, FC Goa will face a monumental challenge as they host Al-Nassr, led by global icon Cristiano Ronaldo, in a blockbuster AFC Champions League Two group stage clash at Fatorda Stadium. Goa has a chance to pull off an upset that could electrify Indian football and boost their Group D standing.
This high-stakes matchup promises drama, drawing global eyes to the ISL’s continental ambitions. Other two club Istiklol’s resilience and Al-Zawraa’s counter-threat mean no easy wins. Marquez’s squad, blending ISL stars, must sharpen their edge to navigate this gauntlet. Both teams have the pedigree to rebound: Mohun Bagan’s depth and Goa’s attacking verve. Yet in a condensed six-game sprint, these losses mean every remaining outing is a must-not-lose.
Ripple Effects: How This Hurts India’s Asian Ambitions
Beyond the clubs, these defeats pack a punch for India’s standing in the AFC club competitions ranking a four-year weighted average of performances from group stage onward that dictates slots in future tournaments. As of September 2025, India sits around 17th overall (West Region context), with roughly 15-16 points, securing two direct entries to Champions League Two: one for the ISL Shield winner and one playoff spot via Super Cup (as with Goa’s path).
The rub? Early zeros from these openers stall momentum gained from Mumbai City FC’s prior playoff heroics. Top-12 associations (like Saudi Arabia with 100+ points and four Elite slots) enjoy direct access to the premier AFC Champions League Elite, while mid-pack nations like Thailand (10th) edge India in slot quality. A deep run here wins net 3 points, draws 1, plus advancement bonuses could add 10-15 vital points, potentially leaping Jordan or Vietnam for better seeding or an extra slot by 2026-27.
Conversely, group-bottom finishes risk slippage, maybe even trimming to one slot if rivals surge. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) knows this: stronger continental showings fuel calls for better youth pipelines and facilities. As Molina reflected post-match, “Defeats teach; now we apply the lesson.” For India, it’s about turning stumbles into strides before the coefficient slips further.
It’s early days, and football loves a comeback. With Ronaldo inbound and redemption on the menu, Mohun Bagan and Goa have the stage to rewrite the narrative. Indian fans, buckle up this Asian ride is bumpy, but far from over.
