FC Goa’s Brazilian coach Zico decided to start with Darryl Duffy and Reinaldo Da Cruz Oliveira but the duo were off colour.
The Nehru Stadium was silenced in the 24th minute when an unmarked Mohamad Rafi headed in past FC Goa custodian Laxmikant Kattimani.
The Gaurs had their back against the wall right from the start with a poor attacking index compared to their opponents.
FC Goa had only one shot on goal in the first session after surviving the onslaught and thankfully, it turned out to be the equalizer.
Kerala Blasters FC custodian Stephen Bywater fisted away a Jonatan Luca flag-kick but the ball landed at the feet of FC Goa’s Samba boy Leo Moura, who calmly controlled it and unleashed a half volley in the 45th minute.
The orange flags all over the stadium were waved high once again as the cool winds blew much to the relief of the perspiring FC Goa fans.
The Mexican Wave did the rounds post resumption as names of Goan midfield favourites Romeo Fernandes and Mandar Rao Desai echoed.
The duo were soon seen warming up at the sidelines and were introduced by Zico which brought the match to life.
Kattimani put up a stellar performance time and time again.
The match was certainly heading for a draw if not for Gregory, who leaped highest for a Mandar corner and headed home in the 84th minute to fetch the three crucial points for FC Goa and take the team atop of the table.
