Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: FC Goa produced a dramatic late comeback to hold Sporting Club Delhi to a 1-1 draw in their Indian Super League encounter on Wednesday, denying the visitors their first victory of the campaign.
Juan Pena’s second-half goal appeared to have put Delhi on course for all three points. However, Alex Vallejo struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time to rescue a point for the hosts in a thrilling finish.
Both teams began aggressively, pressing high and looking to create an early breakthrough. Goa threatened in the eighth minute when Samsanga narrowly missed the target at the far post.
Samsanga thought he had opened the scoring in the 19th minute after Francisco Feuillassier played him through, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Goa continued to push forward, with Muhammed Nemil sending an effort narrowly over the crossbar in the 37th minute.
The hosts maintained their attacking approach after the break. Nemil picked out Feuillassier inside the six-yard box, but Nora Fernandes produced an important save to keep Delhi in the contest.
Delhi made the most of that opportunity in the 52nd minute. A swift counterattack saw Rodrigunho set up Pena, who finished confidently with his right foot to give the visitors the lead.
Goa increased the pressure as the match entered its closing stages. Vallejo had an opportunity following a defensive error in the first minute of added time, but his cross came to nothing as Chiki failed to convert.
The hosts eventually found their breakthrough in the 90+5th minute. Feuillassier delivered a dangerous free-kick into the penalty area, and Vallejo timed his run perfectly to meet the ball in front of the goalkeeper and turn it into the net.
The late equaliser ensured Goa avoided defeat, while Delhi were left disappointed after coming within minutes of securing their first win of the ISL campaign.
