How can FC Goa qualify for quarterfinals of AFC Challenge League?

File photo: FC Goa, led by India defender Sandesh Jhingan, is playing in the AFC Challenge League for the first time. | Photo Credit: ISL Media

FC Goa remains on the brink of qualifying for the AFC Challenge League quarterfinals as it takes on Al Qadsia at the Mohammed Al Hamad Stadium in Kuwait on Friday.

The Gaurs won the AIFF Super Cup last year, earning a direct spot in the group stages of the Challenge League this season. Though the team changed managers after the Super Cup, moving on from Manolo Marquez to former India captain Gouramangi Singh, it has impressed at the continental level.

Despite leading for most of the match against Regar-TadAZ, it lost the match 1-2 before winning 2-1 against Forttis FC from Bangladesh. It is currently third in the group standings.

Points table of FC Goa’s group:

How can FC Goa qualify for the Challenge League quarterfinals?

The 20 teams in the Challenge League are divided into five groups of four teams each. From Groups A, B and C, the group winner and the best second-placed team, along with the top two teams from Groups D and E, will qualify for the quarterfinals.

Goa is placed in Group C, alongside Regar-TadAZ from Tajikistan, Al Qadsia from Kuwait and Fortis from Bangladesh.

For Goa will have to beat Al Qadsia to qualify for the Challenge League quarterfinals. Any other permutation will see the Indian Super League team get knocked out of the tournament.

If Goa beats Al Qadsia, it will get level on points with the Kuwaiti club, but will top the group since the criteria for tie-breakers has head-to-head preceeding goal difference.