Muscat: The official group stage draw for the AFC Champions League Two—the second-tier continental tournament—has placed ISL side FC Goa in Group D alongside Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr, Iraq’s Al Zawraa, and FC Istiklol of Tajikistan. The tournament kicks off on September 16 with home and away fixtures.
The headline-making draw raises hopes of seeing Ronaldo—one of the greatest footballers of all time—play in India. However, reports suggest those hopes may be tempered by rotation plans. According to Saudi journalist Falah Al Jeddani, Al Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus has agreed to rest the 40-year-old Ronaldo for around 25% of next season’s fixtures, including select AFC Champions League Two games, King’s Cup matches, and lower-priority league encounters.
This puts his potential appearance against FC Goa in doubt, but not out of reach. With scheduling and travel playing key roles, the possibility of a Ronaldo visit to India will depend on how Al Nassr prioritizes their fixtures.
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FC Goa secured their place in the group stage after a hard-fought playoff victory over Omani side Al Seeb, following their Super Cup triumph. Meanwhile, fellow Indian club Mohun Bagan Super Giant landed in Group C, set to face Iran’s Sepahan SC, Jordan’s Al Hussein SC, and Ahal FC from Turkmenistan.
The tournament’s inaugural edition under its new branding was won by UAE’s Sharjah FC. With fan excitement building across Asia, the prospect of Ronaldo playing in India, even briefly, is fueling major buzz in Indian football circles.
