PANJIM: What would you call a side, which has been dominating the play, have been creating changes and in total control of the game, and yet struggle to get even a point? Unlucky ! That has been FC Goa’s fate this season. Despite doing everything, they had to be content with a point on Tuesday night against Odisha FC
Odisha FC were seconds away from recording their first even win against FC Goa in the Indian Super League campaign and it looked like FC Goa had to walk away with zero points despite controlling the major part of the game, but Jesuraj Romario kept their wait going scoring a 94th minute equaliser to seal a 1-1 draw in the league at Athletic Stadium, Bambolim.
FC Goa continue to remain in the ninth position with 15th points from fifteen games while Odisha are in the seventh spot with 18 points.
In the first 45 minutes, Alberto Noguera fired wide from inside the box before Airam Cabrera saw his goal-bound shot being saved by Odisha FC keeper Arshdeep Singh. Then it was the FC Goa’s skipper’s turn to see his effort miss the target.
Going forward, there was no doubt FC Goa looked threatening, but the defence was questionable once again. The Gaurs nearly conceded a goal at the half hour mark but Krasniqi poor first touch off a Aridai Suarez lobbed ball saw him fumble with FC Goa’s keeper Naveen Kumar in front of his eyes.
FC Goa’s Edu Bedia too had a shot on target but Arshdeep was at his best for Odisha FC. Meanwhile Princeton Rebello who started in the midfield put up a fine performance. He produced a moment of magic when he got past his marker outside the opposition goal but his left foot strike sailed over the bar.
Odisha FC were on ascendancy in the second session and won a penalty at the hour mark. Alberto Noguera nicked Javier Hernandez inside the box, who was chasing the rebound which came off the wall from a freekick. Jonathan Cristian strike gave no chance for FC Goa keeper Naveen.
In the 76th minute a defensive mix between Anwar Ali and Ivan Gonzalez nearly cost FC Goa another goal, but luckily Jerry Mawihmingthanga’s lobbed shot over the onrushing keeper hit the crossbar.
With time nearly running out, FC Goa scored the equaliser with probably the last kick of the game. Nemil played Airam Cabrera on the left flank, who dipped in a perfect delivery in the six yards box where an unmarked Jesuraj nodded in to retire parity.
The goal surely broke Odisha FC’s hearts but earned FC Goa a well-deserved point.
TODAY’S FIXTURE:
SC East Bengal v Chennaiyin FC, at Tilak Maidan, at 7:30 pm
