NorthEast United came from behind to hold FC Goa to a 2-2 draw in an Indian Super League match on Sunday.
Mandar Rao Dessai (42nd minute) and Ferran Corominas (53rd) scored for FC Goa, while Mario De Souza Greogorio Junior (45th) and substitute John Jairo Mosquera (71st) were the goal scorers for the visitors. The draw enabled FC Goa to reach 20 points,at par with Kerala Blasters but due to better goal difference, the Goan outfit are placed fifth. NorthEast United are placed ninth with 11 points from 12 matches.
Incidentally, both right backs, FC Goa’s Seriton Fernandes and NorthEast’s Nirmal Chetri were suspended for this game. Jonathan Cardozo and Robert Lalthlamuana were their replacements.
After their double loss against Mumbai City, FC Goa needed a win today to climb to the fourth place.
Coach Sergio Lobera made a tactical change pushing Manvir upfront in place of Coro, who dropped down to assist Lanzarote and Goa found their bearing as they controlled the midfield.
NorthEast United, who too needed a win, started positively and looked more dangerous in their attacks. They came close to scoring twice but Laxmikant Kattimani was alert under FC Goa bar to deny Marcio. After the close shave, NorthEast United’s citadel finally fell in the 42nd minute.
But FC Goa’s joy was short-lived as the visitors scored the equaliser in similar manner at the stroke of interval through Mario as both the teams went into the breather locked at 1-1.
FC Goa, who switched to long balls in the second half, restored their lead in the 53rd minute through Corominas.
NorthEast United coach Abraham Grant then brought in fresh pair of legs in the form of John Jairo Mosquera and Lalrindika Ralte in place of Danilo Lopes Cezario and Holicharan Narzary and the move paid off as Mosquera equalised in the 71st minute.
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