PANJIM: FC Goa continued their late goal surge as Ishan Pandita scored an 85th minute leveller to hold ATK Mohun Bagan to a 1-1 draw in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium, on Sunday.
Edu Garcia had put the Kolkata team ahead in the 75th minute with a superb free-kick, but like always, FC Goa came with their reply after conceding the goal.
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The Gaurs squandered the chance to leap frog their opponents as they had their opportunities but waste the chances they had.
In the first half, like their usual ways, the Gaurs dominated the possession and forced ATK Mohun Bagan to defend.
ATKMB came close to scoring in the 27th minute when Subasish Bose headed in Garcia’s corner which bounced and looper over Nave n Kumar’s head and came off the cross bar.
At the other end, Goa had their effort coming off the post. Goa returned the favor just four minutes later when Seriton Fernandes and Alberto Noguera played a quick one-two, before sending the former free on the right flank. Seriton looked to square the ball but was unable to find a teammate in the area. That second of hesitation allowed Sandesh Jhingan to get a foot to Seriton’s hopeful ball but the deflection took it over ATKMB keeper Arindam Bhattacharja and on to the crossbar.
Goa started looking more threatening as the first half approached its conclusion. In the 36th minute, Bhattacharja was called into action, to stop a Saviour Gama shot. ATKMB successfully held fort as the first-half finished goalless.
Goa nearly scored soon after the restart. In the 50th minute, Seriton ran free down the right and looped a cross into the box, that eluded everyone. The ball crashed into the inside of the upright but somehow managed to not go in. Then six minutes later, Bhattacharja had to be alert enough to save a deflected shot from Brandon Fernandes.
It was Juan Ferrando’s men who were running the show after halftime, but then, totally against the run of play, ATKMB found a goal. Roy Krishna was fouled by James Donachie just outside the box. ATKMB has always been threatening from set-pieces this season and this time was no different. Garcia stepped up and powered one into the right-hand corner of the net.
When ATKMB score a late goal, it’s usually the winner, but this time, there was a twist in the tale. With just minutes left on the clock, Pandita diverted it into the net from a corner to drag his team level.
