FC Goa are set to play their second game of the season against Sporting Club Delhi at the Fatorda Stadium, Goa, on 28th October at 19:30 pm IST. Both teams seek their first victory of the season, while Goa, having played only a single match this season due to their Asian competitions where they were eliminated in the group stages itself, has a point from the draw against league rivals Chennaiyin FC.
Sporting Club Delhi are coming off back-to-back defeats despite taking the lead against both strong opponents, Bengaluru FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant, by a narrow margin.
Sporting Club Delhi and Tomasz Tchorz would look forward to getting their first win or first point of the season against a team like FC Goa, who are coming strong after winning against Bangladeshi side Fortis FC in Dhaka in the AFC Challenge League, though the Gaurs couldn’t qualify after the group stages.
These are some of the key player battles to watch out for in this clash.
1. Chiki vs Duvan Viáfara
FC Goa’s Spanish forward Chiki opened his ISL 2026-27 campaign with a goal in the 1-1 draw against Chennaiyin FC. Having played the full 90 minutes in that fixture, he will be looking to build on that start and provide the Gaurs with a consistent goal threat. In fact, he was the only FC Goa player to score in all three of their games in the 2023/27 AFC Challenge League campaign.
Duvan is Sporting Club Delhi’s Colombian centre-back, who started and played the full 90 minutes of both the club’s opening league fixtures, where they narrowly fell despite taking the lead in the beginning. However, Viáfara also received a yellow card in the club’s last defeat against Mohun Bagan.
Chiki will look to exploit the spaces behind Delhi’s defensive line and turn his movement into scoring opportunities. Viáfara’s positioning, timing in challenges, and ability to deal with runs into the box will be crucial. With Delhi having conceded five goals across the first two league matches, Chiki could look to test the defensive organization and add to his season tally.
2. Lalrinliana Hnamte vs Haobam Tomba Singh
The Sporting Club Delhi midfielder has made an encouraging start to the season, scoring in the clash against Mohun Bagan SG. His goal in the 23rd minute gave Delhi the lead before they eventually lost 2-1. Hnamte has also been among Delhi’s highest-rated players in the league and is one of the key players to watch out for.
Tomba, the FC Goa midfielder, has featured in the early stages of the campaign. Although his playing time has been limited, he played 24 minutes against Chennaiyin and 85 minutes across the three games in the AFC Challenge League, his role in this upcoming match could involve pressing and tracking Hnamte’s movement, closing passing lanes, and helping Goa regain possession in midfield.
Hnamte’s ability to contribute in attack makes him an important player for Delhi, while Tomba will need to limit the space available to him. If Hnamte is allowed time to receive the ball and move forward, Delhi could build attacks through the middle Tomba’s positioning and pressing will therefore be important in disrupting Delhi’s rhythm and helping Goa control the midfield.
3. Sandesh Jhingan vs Rodriguinho
FC Goa’s and one of India’s most experienced center-backs played 90 minutes in the club’s opening ISL fixture, Sandesh recorded five clearances, two recoveries, and one interception against Chennaiyin FC. He also played a key role in Gaur’s performances in the AFC challenge League, playing the whole 90 minutes across the three games.
SC Delhi’s Brazilian forward Rodriguinho scored once in his first ISL appearance for SC Delhi, against Bengaluru FC, where his side lost in a narrow 3-2. He also registered six shots across his opening two league, out of which, two were on target.
Rodriguinho’s movement and willingness to shoot could test Jhingan throughout the contest. The FC Goa defender will need to prevent him from turning freely near the penalty area while remaining alert to runs in behind. On the other hand, Rodriguinho will look to use his movement to pull Jhingan out of position and create shooting opportunities.
If Jhingan can restrict his pace and limit his attempts on goal, Goa will have a better chance of containing Delhi’s attack.
When and where to watch the match?
The match between FC Goa and SC Delhi will be played on 28th October 2026, at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM IST.
The game will be broadcasted live on the Sony Sports Network, and live streamed on YouTube for free.
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