FC Goa holds NE United FC to 1-1 draw

GUWAHATI, OCT 19: FC Goa got their first point of the Hero Indian Super League after holding North East United FC to a 1-1 draw at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Guwahati onSunday night. French defender Gregory Arnolin put the visitors ahead in the 17^th minute but Koke brought the hosts level with a well-taken 36^th minute penalty.

The home side started on a positive note as they kept possession, while Goa were content playing from behind. It was a cagey start for the visitors as they misplaced a few passes in the initial stages. But against the run of play, Arnolin put the visitors in front after a goalmouth scramble. Andre Santos’ free-kick found its way to the keeper who dropped the ball. Arnolin was on hand to send it goal wards, but he hit the post. The ensuing clearance deflected and found its way back to Arnolin, who tapped it into an open net. Goa took control following the opening goal, but against the run of play, the referee awarded a penalty to the hosts, after Debabrata Roy clattered into Durga Boro while vying for a header. Koke stepped up to wrong-foot Jan Seda and equalize.

The Highlanders came out with an attacking mind-set in the second half. They pressed the visitors and bombarded Seda’s goal time and again, but the Czech keeper managed to keep everything out. Goa had a handful of opportunities to take the lead, with Ranti Martins managing a goal that was rightly disallowed for offside.

Edgar Marcelino came on in the 67^th minute for Robert Pires to inject pace and creativity, but was unable to inspire his team to a win. NorthEast United pushed hard in the final minutes of the game and also failed to break the deadlock.

With only one point from two games, Zico will have a lot of thinking to do before FC Goa face league leaders Atlético de Kolkata at home on October 23. Second-placed North East United FC will want to make amends when they face a rampaging Mumbai FC away on October 24.- (Report & pix courtesy Indian Super League)