Regar-TadAZ Tursunzoda came from behind to beat FC Goa 2-1 in the AFC Challenge League on Saturday, spoiling the Indian side’s strong start with a composed second-half comeback. FC Goa led through Brison Fernandes in the 18th minute, but Parviz Aliev levelled after the break and Daler Yodgorov struck the winner in the 81st minute.

Regar-TadAZ respond after Goa’s early lead

FC Goa began brightly, pressing high and moving the ball quickly through midfield. Their early dominance was rewarded when Fernandes found space inside the box and finished confidently. For a while, the Indian side looked in control, but Regar-TadAZ stayed compact and gradually grew into the contest.

The equaliser early in the second half changed the mood of the match. Regar-TadAZ began to press with more conviction, forcing Goa into hurried decisions, and the winning goal arrived in the final ten minutes after a well-worked counter-attack. It was a result that underlined the Tajik side’s resilience in continental competition.

Key moments

• 18th minute: Brison Fernandes gave FC Goa the lead with a low finish after a fluent attacking move.
• 53rd minute: Parviz Aliev equalised for Regar-TadAZ, converting from close range after a period of sustained pressure.
• 81st minute: Daler Yodgorov scored the winner, finishing a quick counter-attack with a composed strike.
• 90th minute: FC Goa pushed numbers forward in search of an equaliser, but Regar-TadAZ defended their box well through stoppage time.

Tactical story

FC Goa’s early plan worked well: high pressing, quick combinations and plenty of width. Fernandes’ goal came from exactly that approach, and for 20 minutes the Indian side looked capable of taking control of the group-stage encounter. However, Regar-TadAZ adjusted by narrowing their defensive block and forcing Goa to play around them rather than through them.

As the match wore on, Regar-TadAZ’s counter-attacking threat became more apparent. Their equaliser came from a spell of pressure, but the winner was a classic transition goal: Goa committed players forward, lost the ball in midfield and were punished by a direct run and finish from Yodgorov.

Standout performers

Aliev was central to Regar-TadAZ’s comeback, providing the equaliser and linking play effectively between midfield and attack. Yodgorov’s decisive goal capped a strong second-half display. For FC Goa, Fernandes was their most dangerous player, and his early goal showed the quality they possess in the final third, but the home side could not maintain that level of control after the break.

What it means

The result is a significant one in the AFC Challenge League group stage, giving Regar-TadAZ three points and momentum from an away performance full of character. FC Goa will be frustrated to have let an early lead slip, especially after starting so strongly. The challenge now is to respond quickly, tighten up in transition and convert promising spells into full 90-minute performances.