It ended all square between NorthEast United FC and FC Goa at 1-1 in the Indian Super League match at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa.

A penalty from Idrissa Sylla gave NorthEast the lead in the 40th minute but Igor Angulo levelled the score just three minutes later.

Goa were looking for their first win of the season while NEUFC were looking to go top of the table, at least for the time being.

Juan Ferrando lined up Goa in a 4-3-1-2 formation while Gerard Nus deployed NorthEast United in a 4-3-3 formation.

Goa started the match keeping the ball and playing out from the back. They had 70 percent possession in the first half. However, Goa only got 2 shots on target while NEUFC had three.

The goal came against the run of play in the 40th minute.

Britto PM whipped in a cross from the right which found Idrissa Sylla inside the box. The striker chested the ball down and took a touch. But he was brought down by Provat Lakra from the back. The referee quickly pointed to the spot.

Idrissa Sylla stepped up and scored but the celebration was cut short as the referee spotted Lalrempuia Fanai charging forward and directed to retake the spot kick. Idrissa Sylla was cool and composed to slot home the retaken penalty kick.

But NEUFC’s joy was short-lived as Goa levelled just three minutes later through Igor Angulo. Brandon Fernandes got the ball on the left flank and beat a defender with some twisting and turning. His whipped cross was perfectly directed into the net by Igor Angulo. The striker registered his third goal of the season.

NEUFC found more joy in attack in the second half but Goa enjoyed twice as much possession and had thrice as many passes than the Highlanders.

Off the field, coaches Juan Ferrando and Gerard Nus had a heated argument which resulted in both receiving yellow cards in the 78th minute.

Alberto Noguera hit the post in the 84th minute. Both teams created chances but were unable to take any. Neither side could find the killer pass or the perfect finish. Goa kept knocking on the door but the Highlanders held on.

It was an entertaining match but NEUFC will be happier with the one point earned. FC Goa’s wait for their first win of the season goes on.

  isl