FC Goa and NorthEast United held to a draw in the ISL

(Football news) A brilliant free-kick from Hernan Santana wasn’t enough for NorthEast United FC to secure three points as they were held to a 1-1 draw against FC Goa at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Friday. Santana scored in the second minute of the game but a goal from Airan Cabrera in the 39th minute helped Goa draw level. Both the teams failed to score in the second half which meant Goa progressed to eighth place with 13 points from 11 games while NorthEast United are 10th with nine points from 11 games.

Santana’s individual brilliance got the match off to a flying start for NorthEast United as the 31 year old Spaniard scored a brilliant free kick which left Dheeraj Moirangthem no chance of saving the shot. It was exactly the positive impetus the side needed as Goa tried to settle down despite NorthEast United looking to extend their lead as Deshorn Brown beat two defenders but missed the target.

The Gaurs were hoping that Jorge Ortiz would create a few opportunities as the Spaniard sent a teasing ball into the box after going past Provat Lakra but Mirshad Michu was alert of the danger and took timely action. NorthEast United almost scored when Brown and Suhair Vadakkepeedika combined but the latter’s shot was deflected for a corner. Goa finally got an equaliser moments before half-time as Cabrera scored after being unmarked from Alberto Noguera’s corner. 

In the second half FC Goa looked more threatening as both Ortiz and Cabrera combined to threaten the NorthEast United defence. With chances few and far between, the two sides failed to break the deadlock and were eventually forced to share the spoils of the fixture. NorthEast United will next face Odisha FC on Tuesday, 18th January at the Fatorda Stadium while FC Goa will take on East Bengal on Wednesday, 19th January at the GMC Athletic Stadium.

Also read: Mohun Bagan looks to seize golden opportunity against Bengaluru FC

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