MATCH REPORT: FC Goa's lead cancelled twice by NorthEast United in a high-action game
FC GOA and NorthEast United FC were involved in a 2-2 draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Sunday. Mandar Rao Dessai opened the scoring before Marcinho levelled the score to cap off a captivating first half. The second half saw Ferran Corominas re-establish Goa’s lead but a strike by substitute John Mosquera ensured the sides had to settle for a point each.
The visitors started the game better and had most of the early chances after Reagan Singh found Marcinho with a good ball towards the far post in the 14th minute. The Brazilian shot first time but a low save from Laxmikant Kattimani with his legs denied NorthEast the lead.
Marcinho then played Halicharan Narzary through on goal seven minutes later, but the Indian winger failed to keep his shot on target. Narzary went on to return the favour by clipping in a ball for Marchinho shortly after the half-hour mark. This time the Brazilian headed towards goal and forced Kattimani to parry behind.
Goa responded through Ahmed Jahouh, who rattled an effort on to the post from outside the box in the 34thminute. The Gaurs broke the deadlock eight minutes later courtesy of Dessai, who was on the receiving end of a searching ball from Jonathan Cardozo that made its way through multiple bodies. The Goa fan-favourite took a touch before producing a calm finish past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
Their lead didn’t last long though with the Highlanders hitting back just before the break. Narzary and Marcinho combined once again, this time, with the former cutting back for the latter to slot home and make it all square heading into the half-time interval.
The hosts started the second period in menacing fashion after Manvir Singh and Edu Bedia exchanged passes to get the Indian forward through on goal. Manvir placed his effort low towards the near post but goalkeeper TP Rehenesh made the save for NorthEast.
However, Rehenesh was powerless eight minutes into the second half when Goa’s deadly Spanish duo linked-up to devastating effect to regain their lead. Manuel Lanzarote delivered an excellent cross for an unmarked Corominas to find the back of the net with a composed finish.
NorthEast fought back and restored parity in the 71st minute through substitute Mosquera, who had been on the pitch for just five minutes. The super-sub was perfectly placed to make the most of a Seiminlen Doungel cross to the despair of the home fans.
Substitutes Mosquera and Lalrindika Ralte had more chances to win the game for the visitors, while Manvir also had a chance to do the same for Goa, however, in the end the match finished level as the sides shared the spoils.
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