
GUWAHATI: Hosts NorthEast United FC came from behind to hold FC Goa to a 1-1 draw in a fiercely-contested Indian Super League (ISL) match here on Tuesday.
Mohammad Yasir gave FC Goa the lead in the 65th minute, but Jithin MS equalised for NorthEast United in the 76th minute as the two teams shared the spoils. This was the 11th draw between the two sides, the highest number of stalemates between any teams in the competition's history.
The Highlanders began the game on the front foot, with Guillermo Fernandez and Alaaeddine Ajaraie making threatening runs that kept the FC Goa defenders on alert.
However, the first clear opportunity of the match fell to FC Goa when Dejan Drazic delivered a precise cross to Armando Sadiku in the penalty area. Sadiku's header, however, lacked the power to trouble Gurmeet Singh in goal.
Shortly afterwards, Ajaraie came close to opening the scoring when Buanthanglun Samte sent a long pass his way. The Moroccan forward raced through on goal but saw his effort tipped over the bar by Hrithik Tiwari.
Despite soaking up pressure from the hosts for much of the first half, FC Goa finished the half on a strong note.
The second half began in a similar fashion, with NorthEast United showing great intent but struggling to break through FC Goa's resolute defence.
In the 59th minute, assistant coach Naushad Moosa made a tactical adjustment, introducing Nestor Albiach and Ninthoinganba Meetei in place of Guillermo and Muthu Mayakkannan.
Nestor almost made an immediate impact when he combined with Ajaraie in a slick give-and-go move, but Hrithik lost the ball amidst a crowd of players, allowing Odei Onaindia to clear the danger.
Against the run of play, FC Goa broke the deadlock in the 65th minute. Jay Gupta sent a long ball into the penalty area, which Mohammad Yasir played towards Brison. The youngster returned the ball to Yasir, who fired it into the bottom-right corner, giving the Gaurs a crucial lead.
The Highlanders responded with determination, opting for counter-attacking football. Ajaraie showcased excellent hold-up play before delivering a brilliant through ball to Jithin MS, who calmly slotted the ball past Hrithik in the 76th minute to restore parity.
Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but neither could find the decisive goal, leaving the match tied at 1-1.