Mohun Bagan SG, FC Goa learn opponents for AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 group stage
Mohun Bagan SG and FC Goa will face tough continental tests in the AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 group stage. The Mariners meet Sepahan, Al Hussein, and Ahal, while the Gaurs battle Al Nassr, Al Zawra’a, and Istiklol.
Hyderabad: Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa, India’s two representatives in the AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 Group Stage, discovered their opponents after the draw was conducted at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Friday.
Mohun Bagan, the Indian Super League 2024-25 Shield Winners, were drawn in Group C alongside Sepahan SC (IR Iran), Al Hussein SC (Jordan) and Ahal FC (Turkmenistan).
FC Goa, winners of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025, were placed in Group D with Al Nassr Club (Saudi Arabia), Al Zawra’a SC (Iraq), and FC Istiklol (Tajikistan). The Gaurs qualified for the group stage after a 2-1 victory over Al Seeb Club of Oman in the Preliminary Stage on Wednesday.
Thirty-two teams, 16 each in the West and the East Zone, have been divided into eight groups of four each. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Round of 16.
This is Mohun Bagan SG’s eighth appearance in Asia’s second-tier men’s club competition which was rebranded from the AFC Cup to the AFC Champions League Two last season. FC Goa will play continental football for the second time, having represented India in the 2021 AFC Champions League.
Mohun Bagan SG’s opponents, Sepahan SC, are the Persian Gulf Pro League 2024-25 runners-up, while Al Hussein SC are the Jordanian Pro League 2024-25 champions, and Ahal FC are the runners-up of the Ýokary Liga 2024.
FC Goa’s opponents, Al Nassr, are the third-placed team from the Saudi Pro League 2024-25, Al Zawra’a SC are the Iraq Stars League 2024-25 runners-up, and FC Istiklol are the Tajikistan Higher League 2024 champions.
The Mariners and the Gaurs will face each club home and away in a double-round robin format. The group stage will run from September 16 to December 24. The Round of 16 will take place between February 10-19, 2026. The Quarter-finals and Semi-finals are set for March 3-12 and April 7-15, respectively, with the Final scheduled for May 16, 2026.
