Fatorda (Goa), Sept. 17 -- FC Goa return to Asia's elite football stage this week as they host Iraqi giants Al Zawraa in their AFC Champions League Two Group Stage opener at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here tomorrow.
The clash marks Goa's second continental campaign after their 2020-21 adventure, which was played behind closed doors, and their first chance to showcase their credentials in front of home fans on Asia's grand stage.
Head coach Manolo Marquez, in his third season with the Gaurs, leads a side built on resilience. Goa booked their place with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Oman's Al Seeb in last month's preliminary round. They now face a formidable Group also featuring Saudi heavyweights Al Nassr and Tajikistan's Istiklol FC, hi...