Flavio Lopes
MARGAO: Six points in two games is all that Zico is now focusing on after FC Goa secured a hard fought 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC in their final home match of the Hero Indian Super League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, here, on Wednesday.
The Gaurs are still not assured a play-off slot as the emphasis now turns to their final two away matches against Kerala Blasters FC (on November 29) and Delhi Dynamos FC (on December 6).
FC Goa will definitely have a psychological advantage as they have got the better of their opponents in the first leg matches.
NorthEast United FC had never beaten FC Goa and it remained that way after Brazilian Reinaldo Oliveira scored 10 minutes from time to cancel Victor Mendy’s opener for the visitors in the 55th minute.
They drew their home game last year against the Gaurs and lost the away fixture 3-0. FC Goa also beat them 3-1 in Guwahati earlier this season.
The Gaurs have managed seven points from their five away matches so far with two wins, two defeats and a draw.
There were four changes in total to the team that was given a 4-0 thrashing by defending champions Atletico de Kolkata.
Mandar Dessai, Victorino Fernandes, Reinaldo and C S Sabeeth started while Narayan Das, Nicolau Colaco, Joffre and Thongkhosiem Haokip made way.
Zico opted for Dudu Omagbemi and Reinaldo upfront and the latter interchanged his position with right winger Victorino Fernandes at regular intervals.
However, FC Goa failed to get a single shot on target in the first session. This is indeed a worrying stat for Zico as it has also happened in previous matches.
FC Goa tend to defend in the first session and attack after changing ends, often finding themselves trailing by a goal.
At the other end, the visitors felt comfortable far away from home with medio Sanju Pradhan’s daunting runs. The wingers pace was no match to the oppositions tactics. The 26-year-old came close to scoring before the half hour mark when FC Goa custodian Laxmikant Kattimani fumbled in collecting his long ranger. Moreover, Pradhan restricted the movement of Mandar Rao Dessai and when he crossed, the FC Goa defence felt hard to deal with it.
Although Venuzuvelan coach Cesar Farias was forced to replace Ghanaian striker Francis Dadzie in the 21st minute, the Highlanders continued to attack and had four shots on goal.
Low in confidence, The Gaurs soaked in the pressure as Marquee player Lucio cleared the long balls. Also, thanks to an early goalline clearance by Leo Moura in the opening minutes. The Brazilian deserved the Hero of the Match award. The medio dictated proceedings in the second sessions and switched effectively from his position to the striking spot which led to the equalizer.
It was his composure to guide a header of a Pronay cross towards teammate Reinaldo, who than gave the finishing touches.
