VASCO: FC Goa’s campaign under coach Derrick Pereira began with a 1-1 draw against Odisha FC in the Indian Super League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Thursday.
It was no surprise FC Goa took the lead in the first session through Ivan Gonzalez but their second half was just the opposite. Odisha FC were better among the two and equalized in the 52nd minute through Jonathas. Odisha were unlucky not to get the winner as they were twice denied by the post including one at the death.
FC Goa were without the services of Brandon Fernandes, Glan Martins and suspended Jorge Ortiz and Derrick Pereira named an unchanged eleven which were held to a 1-1 draw against Hyderabad FC. The Gaurs are now four games unbeaten recording successive draws.
The Gaurs started with possession play and created chances throughout, but it’s their attacking concerns that once again let them down. They were unable to find the breakthrough despite showing the intent throughout. At the other end, Odisha FC relied more on counter attacks.
FC Goa had a couple of chances in the first session through Alberto Noguera, but Odisha’s Kamaljit Singh produced superb saves to keep his side in the game. But the custodian couldn’t stop Ivan Gonzalez from scoring. Aiban Dohling headed in a Noguera free kick from the right towards the goal which was tapped in by Gonzalez. It was a deserving goal for FC Goa.
But the context changed in the second session. Odisha FC notched up their game and pushed for the equaliser early on and they were able to find the crack in the 53rd minute when Javier Hernandez set up Nandhakumar Sekar on the left. The last named sent in a dangerous ball in the area where Dheeraj couldn’t get his hand to the ball but couldn’t keep the ball away from Jonathas Cristian, who scored with a simple tap in.
FC Goa were lucky not to concede an own goal with just 18 minutes left on the clock. Odisha’s Aridai Suarez whipped in a cross from the left which beat the keeper but defender Dylan Fox, who tried to clear the ball almost headed into his own net but the crossbar came to his rescue.
Airdai made a huge impact for Odisha in the second half and his presence created problems for Goa. He set up Liridon Karsniqi late in the game only to see the latter being denied by Dheeraj and the post.
