PANJIM: FC Goa’s reunion with Juan Ferrando turned out to be a bitter encounter for the Gaurs as they were beaten by ATK Mohun Bagan 2-1 in the Indian Super League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda thus ending their four games unbeaten run, on Wednesday.
Two stunning strikes from Liston Colaco and Roy Krishna in either half ensured the Kolkata side walkway with full points and handed FC Goa their fourth defeat of the season. Jorge Ortiz pulled a late goal for Gaurs in the 81st minute.
Coach Derrick Pereira had to make three changes from his previous fixture as Dylan Fox and Mohammed Nemil started for the Gaurs. Meanwhile Juan Ferrando preferred to name an unchanged XI which won against NorthEast United FC.
Despite missing the services of Brandon Fernandes, Glan Martins and Jesuraj Romario due to injuries, the Gaurs had an impressive start against ATK Mohun Bagan creating numerous chances early in the game. Their first real threat came in the fifth minute from a set- piece where Jorge Ortiz managed to find Nemil, but the youngster ended up hitting wide.
Later, Devendra Murgaonkar produced a brilliant moment when he nutmegged an opponent and got into the area, only to shoot straight to the keeper Amrinder Singh.
In the 23rd minute, Liston Colaco scored an absolute stunner. On getting the ball near the halfway mark, the former FC Goa striker covered some distance and cut inside, getting on his preferred right foot before pulling the trigger. FC Goa custodian Dheeraj Singh, who was off the line could do little to stop it.
Both sides had been poor in dealing with set-pieces, and FC Goa nearly found the equaliser from a free kick at the hour mark. Jorge Ortiz went for the goal with a perfect low free kick which nearly sneaked into the bottom left corner. However, Amrinder Singh anticipated it well to keep the ball from entering the goal.
Just like the first session, FC Goa started in similar fashion in the second half pressing their opponents and creating chances but couldn’t do much justice in the attacking attempts.
Meanwhile Kolkata were doing everything possible to consolidate their lead with Hugo Boumous coming close just before they could actually celebrate their second goal. Hugo Boumous’ freekick missed the entire ATK MB and FC Goa players in the area where Roy got the ball in the recovery area. The Fijian struck a powerful drive which smashed into the goal.
Ortiz finally managed to crack the ATK goal when he struck a shot from inside the box. ATK Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Amrinder should have done better in dealing with the ball as the custodian let the ball roll into the goal which was shot straight at him.
This is the second straight win for Juan Ferrando after taking over the reins at ATK Mohun Bagan this month.
