FC Goa became the first team in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) to field a playing eleven consisting of nine Indian and just two foreign players against NorthEast United FC. With the side at the bottom of the table, inspiration and determination was needed to get the three points the team desperately needed. Despite the various odds the team is faced with, a largely inexperienced FC Goa unit ran out 2-1 winners over a much fancied NorthEast United FC. After Seityasen Singh struck five minutes into the second half via a wicked deflection, FC Goa had their backs to the wall. But the Gaurs came roaring back to life when Romeo set up Robin Singh to equalise mid way through the contest. With Sahil Tavora receiving a second yellow card for a foul, the Gaurs went down to 10 men for the second game running. However, the team showed incredible spirit to fight back and local lad Romeo rounded the goalkeeper to net an incredible late winner, deep into stoppage time to turn things on its head as the ever noisy Fatorda roared.

Head coach Zico who was in attendance was quick to point out that his team rallied together and fought hard for the win. “Despite so many issues we have faced in the past month or so, we have shown that we are not inferior to anybody. The team gave everything they had today and they’re ready to fight till the end,” he said. He also thanked the fans for their continued support. “I want to also thank the fans for their support. They come out and shout for us every match day and we are very grateful for their backing. We are very happy we were able to give them a win today, our first at home. We will look to do so ahead as well,” he added.

Despite the odds, it was the home team that started the first half on the front foot. With the Gaurs needing three points to keep them in contention, it was imperative to get off to a good start. A long ball from Trindade found Romeo Fernandes in the box but the winger was just about off side. The Highlanders were the first of the two teams to receive a corner which Mailson Alves headed goal wards but Laxmikant Kattimani was on hand to make a stunning save. Not long later, the industrious Trindade found Romeo once again. The Goan jinked his way towards the box and unleashed a shot that just about went wide off the post. Former Gaur Holicharan Narzary was lucky to still be on the pitch after two poor tackles on Romeo and Rafael Coelho, the second of which was a high foot to the calf. However, he got away with just the foul.

The away side began to get into the game as the half progressed. A 35 yard Katsumi Yusa free kick was arrowing towards goal but Kattimani made another good stop. Not long later, Rowlin Borges had a point blank header saved acrobatically by the Goan goalkeeper. With their tails up, NorthEast United began peppering the ball into the Goa box. Rowlin missed another chance moments later to open the scoring from a corner.

At the other end, a Trindade free-kick just about missed the head of a diving Raju Gaekwad. FC Goa’s counter attacking style looked promising. Trindade who looked like making things happen played Robin Singh through but the Indian striker’s left footed shot was saved by Subrata Paul. Four minutes later, Romeo fed Rafael who shot from 35 yards but Subrata collected the ball easily. With Goa looking to do most of the attacking, Mandar was played clear down the left but his cross was stopped by the goalkeeper once more. With the home side looking desperately for the opener, they were vulnerable to the counter and were almost caught out just a minute later after Yusa’s curling free-kick took the head of Gustavo Lazaretti and was headed towards goal but ricocheted off the post. The follow up cross also hit the post and deflected out of play. In the 42nd minute, a long ball was lobbed goalwards by Nico Velez. Luckily for the home side, it just evaded the goal. With time running out, the home side shored up their defence and closed out the half all square.

The Highlanders were quickly off the blocks in the second period. Katsumi took a shot from distance but it sailed out of play. The visitors persisted with the pressure which finally paid off in the 50th minute after a corner was deflected towards the left. Seityasen Singh got on the end of it and unleashed a shot which deflected off Trindade and beat the hapless Kattimani. Moments later, Sahil picked up a yellow for a mistimed tackle as the Highlanders continued to pile on the pressure. The visitors were controlling the game well from midfield as the home side found it hard to keep hold of the ball. NorthEast could’ve doubled their lead in the 62nd minute after another poor clearance from a corner fell to Rowlin on the edge of the box but he skied his shot to let the Gaurs off the hook. However, against the run of play, the Gaurs went down the other end and equalised. A superb long ball found Romeo running down the right wing. He managed to beat his marker, jinked into the box and put a good low cross for Robin who tapped home to a vociferous reaction from the crowd.

With the home side now looking to attack, they left themselves under threat at the back and the visitors almost capitalised. Holicharan Narzary’s excellent turn and cross found Nico Velez at the far post but the Argentinian’s low cross was superbly saved by Kattimani. Just four minutes later, the hosts were down to 10 men after Sahil Tavora brought down Seityasen Singh just outside the box.

The Highlanders sensed their chance to net a winner and constantly pressed the Goa defence which seemed to be holding firm. Kattimani was proving to be difficult to beat as he made a number of good saves as the half progressed. FC Goa had an excellent chance to take the lead after neat interplay between Romeo and Rafael in the 87th minute. The Brazilian put in a superb low cross towards the unmarked Robin Singh but he missed the ball. NorthEast continued to pile on the pressure late on in the hope of finding a winner but it was the home side who struck very, very late. Robin received the pass in the middle of the field, held on to it long enough and released a marauding Romeo who ran on to goal, skipped past the goalkeeper and netted calmly, deep into injury time to seal the first home win for the side.

FC Goa will next face Mumbai City FC who dropped points in their previous encounter with FC Pune City. Mumbai City are expected to make it to the semi-finals after good performances through the season but a resurgent FC Goa will want the three points as well as they continue in their bid for a top four spot.

(FC Goa Press Release)