Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: FC Goa and Bengaluru FC played out a pulsating 2-2 draw in their Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday. Despite taking a commanding lead, the Gaurs were unable to hold off a spirited comeback from the hosts, nevertheless extending their unbeaten run to six matches.
Manolo Marquez made three changes to FC Goa’s lineup from their 2-0 win over Hyderabad FC earlier this month, with Aakash Sangwan, Sahil Tavora, and Dejan Drazic coming in for Jay Gupta, Mohammad Yasir, and Armando Sadiku, respectively.
The visitors then wasted no time asserting themselves, taking the lead in the 7th minute.
Dejan Drazic delivered a pinpoint free-kick from over 25 yards out, finding Sandesh Jhingan at the edge of the Bengaluru box. Jhingan’s header ricocheted off the far post and into the net, leaving goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu rooted to the spot.
The Blues, in turn, responded with a series of attacks. Sunil Chhetri came close, but was denied by a stunning diving save from FC Goa’s young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari in the 14th minute. Tiwari, who was in inspired form, continued to keep the hosts at bay, denying Edgar Mendez and Ryan Williams later in the half.
Following the change of ends, Goa doubled their advantage in the 66th minute. A defensive error from Bengaluru’s Naorem Roshan allowed Sahil Tavora to pounce on a loose ball just outside the box. Tavora unleashed a sublime curling effort into the top corner, leaving Gurpreet with no chance.
However, Ryan Williams halved the deficit for Bengaluru FC in the 72nd minute, beating his marker and finishing clinically past Tiwari. They then leveled the scoreline in the 83rd minute through Jorge Pereyra Diaz. Starting the move himself, Diaz found Ryan Williams, whose shot struck the post before Roshan Singh returned the ball to the Argentine. This time, Diaz made no mistake with his powerful finish.
FC Goa nearly snatched a late winner when Mohammad Yasir’s effort in the 87th minute forced a save from Gurpreet.
With the result, FC Goa now sit fourth in the points table with 19 points from 11 matches. They will return to their home ground, the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, for their next match against table-toppers Mohun Bagan Super Giant, which will also mark the end of the first phase of the league season.
