#4 A spirited fightback from Goa’s young gems
While Jofre pulled strings in the middle of the park and pushed forward in the first half, FC Goa did not have enough men to advance ahead as they were outnumbered in defence. After a frustrating first half show, it was Goa’s local boys Mandar Rao Dessai and Romeo Fernandes that were the driving force behind the Gaurs inspired second half performance.
They were much better in taking on the ATK defenders with their pace, movements and precise passing compared to the first half, where they were good on the ball and in possession but delivered inaccurate passes in the final third.
Romeo Fernandes came close to finding the equaliser with an off-foot shot that curled just inches wide of the post before Mandar’s calm finish gave them a much-deserved equaliser. Romeo and Mandar’s short stints in Brazil and Spain respectively has helped them a lot.
