GOA:
FC Goa came back from two goals behind to open the season of the Indian Super League with a draw against Bengaluru FC. Having fallen two goals behind in the early minutes of the second half, the Gaurs showed real spirit to rally back and took the game to the visitors in the latter parts of the game to secure a point.
Juan Ferrando gave Igor Angulo, Jorge Ortiz, Ivan Gonzalez, James Donachie and Sanson Pereira their debuts in the Indian Super League. Meanwhile, Princeton Rebello was awarded the first start of his ISL career.
Despite dominating the possession in the opening minutes of the game, the Gaurs went a goal down in the 27th minute courtesy a Cleiton Silva strike. A long throw from the left flank deflected off the head of James Donachie before presenting an opportunity which the Bengaluru debutant put away. The forward was the quickest to react, getting ahead of Sanson Pereira to put the away side ahead.
FC Goa did finish the first 45 with 65% possession but lacked sharpness in the final third of the field.
Juan Ferrando’s men started on the front foot to begin the 2nd half, searching for the equalizer. It was Bengaluru, however, who got their second – again from a set-piece, catching the Goa defence off-guard.
A ball into the box in the 57th minute found Deshorn Brown whose header found Erik Paartalu with acres of space at his disposal. The Australian brought all his experience into play, cushioning a header for the onrushing Juanan to slot it in.
The Gaurs, though, came charging back as Juan Ferrando brought in Brandon Fernandes, Alberto Noguera and Alexander Romario with a view to effecting a change in the attacking third.
The changes paid off immediately as Brandon and Noguera combined to play in Igor Angulo behind the Bengaluru backline. The Spaniard showed his class with his first real opportunity, slotting the ball into the far corner with a clinical finish to bring the scoreline to 1-2 on the 66-minute mark, leaving Gurpreet Singh Sandhu hapless in the Bengaluru goal.
FC Goa’s comeback was complete in 3 minutes when Brandon played in Romario on the right. The winger’s cross into the box was finished off again by Angulo for his second of the game.
The Gaurs remained on the front foot in the last 20 minutes, but failed to break down the Bengaluru FC defence, settling for a share of the spoils.
FC Goa will be back in action on 25th November when they host Mumbai City FC at the Fatorda stadium. The match is set for a 7:30 pm kickoff.
