ISL: NorthEast United settle for 1-1 draw against FC Goa

FC Goa could only manage a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC in their Indian Super League (ISL) tie in Margao on Wednesday.

FC Goa could only manage a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC in their Indian Super League (ISL) tie in Margao on Wednesday.

A late goal from FC Goa (blue) saw them snatch a point at home against NorthEast.(Pratham Gokhale/HT Photo)

While Goa head coach Zico might not be pleased, since he was hoping his side would bounce back from their 0-4 away loss to Atletico de Kolkata, NorthEast United head coach Cesar Farias would be even more disappointed even though he would have taken the draw before kickoff.

Farias agreed that his team would be happy with a single point as it would help their qualification chances.

Goa went for the jugular with four forwards although the eventless first half yielded little.

The second half started as a more open affair but changed in the 55th minute. A corner from Simao Sabrosa was headed into the goal by substitute Victor Mendy. NorthEast had taken the lead and Farias’ tactics were paying dividends.

NorthEast fell back to soak in the pressure as the home team changed tactics.

It was the latter move which rewarded Zico as a long ball into the box was nodded down by Moura which allowed Reinaldo a clean shot at goal to equalise in the 80th minute.