PANJIM: FC Goa hopes of progressing into the playoffs of the Indian Super League are almost over after their disappointing 0-2 defeat against `ATK Mohun Bagan, at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim, on Tuesday.
After their impressive performance against Chennaiyin FC, there were expectations Gaurs would continue with their form, however former Gaurs Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh made the hosts look a mediocre side. The duo ran havoc for their side with Manvir scoring twice in either session to guide their team to another victory. ATK MB moved on to 29 points from 15 games on par with Hyderabad FC.
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ATK Mohun Bagan had their best start of the campaign, scoring in the 3rd minute. The goal came from the first set-piece of the game. Liston Colaco’s perfect corner-kick was flicked in stylishly by Manvir Singh at the near post giving no chance for FC Goa custodian Dheeraj Singh. That was Liston’s third assist of the season.
It took time for the Gaurs to get into the game once they were in it, all they had to do was take their chance. But unlike against Chennaiyin, the Gaurs just couldn’t convert their chances against ATK Mohun Bagan.
Derrick Pereira’s side squandered the best chance in the 16th minute when Noguera found himself through on goal, but instead of going for goal with just the keeper at his sight, he selflessly tried to square it to Ortiz, however, the pass was intercepted by an ATK MB player.
FC Goa had key players missing due to COVID, but that cannot be the reason for Tuesday’s performance. They kept their possessions and enjoyed passing but they failed to take advantage in the attacking third.
It was an end to end battle throughout the first half. While the front duo of Liston and Manvir were threatening for ATK Mohun Bagan, FC Goa were denied the equaliser by the crossbar at the half hour mark where Anwar Ali saw his powerful strike from a distance hit the frame.
FC Goa’s Ivan Gonzales was kept busy throughout the first 45 minutes which was marred by floodlight issues causing the play to halt, thus disrupting the play.
ATK MB continued from where they left before the break. Fourteen seconds into the second half, Manvir doubled the lead for the Kolkata side. ATK MB dispossessed Princeton Rebello and threaded in a perfect through pass to Manvir, who kept his composure to slot past Dheeraj Singh.
Manvir nearly struck his hat-trick but Dheeraj Singh pulled off a stunning save to save further misery for the Gaurs.
FC Goa were lucky not to concede a penalty when Ivan Gonzales put in a sliding tackle from behind on Manvir Singh inside the box, getting no contact with the ball. However, the referee showed no interest.
Liston, who was outstanding for ATK MB saw his effort being cleared off the line by Anwar Ali.
Minutes later, the Goan youngster was denied the post. This time it was his flag kick which beat towering Dheeraj only to come off the post.
