FC Goa’s winless run in the Reliance Foundation Development League extended to three games on Thursday, when they drew 2-2 against Hyderabad FC. Lesly Rebello and Vasim Inamdar scored for the Gaurs, while Lalchungnunga Chhangte’s and Koustav Datta’s goals helped Hyderabad take a point from the clash.
FC Goa head coach Deggie Cardozo changed his entire starting XI from Tuesday’s draw against Sesa FA in the GFA President’s Super League as Hrithik Tiwari, Mevan Dias, Velroy Fernandes and Rayan Menezes among others returned to action.
Both teams adopted a cautious approach early on in the first half. Then in the 21st minute, captain Lesly Rebello scored to give the Gaurs an important lead. He rose high to connect with a corner-kick, and placed his header neatly at the far post.
FC Goa took charge of the proceedings following their goal. They created another solid opportunity ten minutes later with Brison Fernandes finding Mevan with an inch-perfect through ball. The forward, however, shot wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Goa goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari was the best performer of the second half. He denied Hyderabad FC players a goal on three different occasions and pulled off a double save to keep his team’s lead intact.
Meanwhile, the team in yellow continued to work hard for the equaliser, and while their initial efforts were in vain, they were finally rewarded in the 89th minute through Chhangte’s strike from just outside the box. Deggie Cardozo’s boys replied in style with a brilliant goal scored by Vasim in the very next minute, but their efforts were undone by Koustav Datta’s equaliser in injury time.
FC Goa have only themselves to blame for both the goals conceded, as the usual sloppiness in defence came back to haunt them once again.
The Men in Orange will be back in action when they lock horns with Salgaocar FC in the GFA President’s Super League. The clash is slated for a 4:00 pm kickoff, at the Salvador do Mundo Panchayat ground on Sunday, May 1.
FC Goa Media Release