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NorthEast United played their third home game in a row, this time hosting FC Goa. Both North East and FC Goa were hungry for points after they had lost their previous games against Atletico de Kolkata and Chennaiyin FC respectively. An exciting game that saw a lot of attacking play, this was an end to end match, which ultimately saw both teams failing to get the decisive goal, and so had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Zico made few changes in the starting XI of FC Goa bringing in Debabrata Das in place of Prabir Das, and introduced ex-Arsenal man Andre Santos in the midfield along with marquee signing Robert Pires. Clifford Miranda too made it to the team in place of promising attacker Holicharan Narzary. Ricki Herbert too changed his formation from the last game and moved back to his 4-4-1-1 formation. Durga Boro started as the front striker with Koke operating just behind him.
Well fought first half
Both teams started the match on a very positive note, attacking from the very first moment. Unfortunately they couldn’t get an early breakthrough. Isaac Chansa was utilised by Herbert to mark Pires, as a result of which the Frenchman never looked dangerous. Brazilian Andre Santos, who was playing in a different role from midfield played well and created quite a few chances.
In the 17th minute Chansa fouled Pires and was booked. Andres Santos took the resulting free-kick from almost the centre of the pitch, which was then spilled by Rehenesh T.P spilled the ball. French centre back, Gregory Arnolin was around the penalty box and he met the ball and took a shot which hit the post. The rebound was not convincingly cleared and Arnolin ultimately tapped in the ball comfortably into the net.
In the 34th minute FC Goa’s right-back, Debabrata Das pushed Robin Gurung inside the penalty box and a penalty was awarded to North East United FC. Some people may find the referee’s decision harsh as the contact seemed to be very minor. Nonetheless, Koke restored parity from the penalty spot and took his goal tally to 2 from 3 games in the Indian Super League.
NorthEast United dominated the second half
The home team dominated the second half as they went in search of a winner. They created better chances and had better possession of the ball. Ricki Herbert introduced an extra striker Seminlen Doungel in place of Ralte. FC Goa on the other hand were mostly dependent on counter attacks. Zico substituted both his central midfielders bringing in Pinheiro and Marcelino. The substitutions brought pace into the team’s game.
In the 70th minute, Ranti Martins converted a goal, which was eventually disallowed due to offside. In the subsequent counter attack, Koke won a free-kick. His pass to South Korean winger Do Dong Hyun resulted in a venomous longranger, which was somehow stopped by Jan Seda.
The match was enjoyable and both teams entertained us thoroughly throughout the 90 minutes. NorthEast United climb up the table to second position with 4 points from 3 games, while FC Goa remain at the 6th position after 2 matches.
