Team Herald
FATORDA: FC Goa were denied yet another clean sheet as Nigerian striker Kalu Uche struck late to cancel out Hugo Boumous’ effort as both teams shared the spoils in a fiery encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, on Wednesday.
Substitute goalkeeper Arnab Das produced a scintillating save deep into stoppage time to prevent Coro from adding to his tally and scoring a winner as the Gaurs’ chances of qualification to the knockout stage grew slimmer.
When Boumous collected the ball near the half-line and went past defenders before finding a yard to shoot — Gabriel Cichero was in the way, but only to wickedly deflect the ball into the net.
And just when it looked like Goa would make sure of collecting full points, Delhi created two quick chances late in the game. The first one was missed by Lallianzuala Chhangte but his next one, an assist to Kalu Uche was a beauty. His run down the left flank and then the measured cross found Uche at the right place to get his first touch past the wrong-footed FC Goa goalkeeper Naveen.
The two players were involved in a solid tussle throughout the match, with Boumous coming in for Manuel Lanzarote. The first battle between the two was won by Cichero in the first half, when he made an incredible tackle to stop the Moroccan who was through on goal after a delightful ball from Feran Corominas.
Corominas could have scored minutes later but Delhi goalie Xabier made a fine save to stop him from close range. Shockingly, he missed another chance in the 74th minute when he tried to be too exuberant in a one-on-one situation with Arnab Das and made a mess of it. He will surely be regretting not keeping it simple to give his side a better lead.
Boumous was probably the most active Goan attacker – in the opening period, he had bombed down the right after a mazy run and set up Mandar Rao Dessai, but the winger couldn’t get enough power on his shot and had better options available.
Former Goa player Manuel Arana made a hash of the first chance in the game – he could hardly bother the goalkeeper after Kalu Uche’s pass and after that, Goa slowly gained ascendancy.
Brandon Fernandes saw a freekick soar just over and a shot off target. The only other opportunity for Delhi was when Narayan Das’ miss-hit pass almost fell to Romeo Fernandes.
Mandar scuffed a chance late with Corominas seeing his effort saved at the death.
