ISL 2024-25: Hyderabad FC Secures Late Equalizer Against FC Goa in 1-1 Stalemate
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Margao (Goa), Jan 8 (NationPress) FC Goa and Hyderabad FC concluded their encounter with a 1-1 tie in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday. Allan Paulista found the net in stoppage time, helping the visiting team secure a point late in the match, which featured nearly equal possession, resulting in their third draw of the season.
Playing on home turf, the Gaurs created multiple opportunities, registering five shots on target, and would have wished for more precise finishing to gain an upper hand in the match.
Armando Sadiku attempted a clever backheel shot in the fifth minute to put FC Goa ahead following a corner kick. Mohammad Yasir seized the ball on the right side of the box and unleashed a powerful shot that met Sadiku instead. The striker aimed to capitalize on a difficult angle but ended up hitting the post.
In the 27th minute, Sadiku was again involved, squandering a clear-cut chance to score. Brison Fernandes, who came into the match after scoring consecutive braces, controlled a long ball on the left flank, prompting Hyderabad FC goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh to rush out to confront him. Brison passed the ball to Sadiku, who found himself with an open goal but was denied by a crucial block from the Hyderabad FC defense.
Sadiku finally broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute, capping off a sustained offensive effort from the FC Goa attack. They gradually forced Hyderabad FC back, creating panic within the box, leading to a sequence where Boris Singh delivered a precise cross to Dejan Drazic at the left post. Despite some resistance from the Hyderabad FC defense, Sadiku was perfectly positioned to strike the ball into the top right corner.
The Gaurs faced a setback when Borja Herrera received a straight red card in the 59th minute after an incident involving Hyderabad FC defender Alex Saji. Interestingly, Saji was sent off next in the 72nd minute after accumulating a second yellow card for a foul on Sadiku outside the box, leveling the teams in terms of player count. The Gaurs looked to take advantage of the situation urgently, with Udanta Singh setting up a pass for Aakash Sangwan, who was positioned outside the 18-yard box. Sangwan fired a left-footed shot that narrowly missed the target, opting against further buildup.
Isaac Vanmalsawma aimed to salvage a point for Hyderabad FC by delivering a cross for Allan Paulista in the center of the box in the 81st minute. Paulista's header was on target but was expertly saved.
The duo proved crucial in stoppage time. While Hyderabad FC had limited solid chances throughout the match, Isaac exploited the flanks effectively, sending in another cross for Paulista, who coolly slotted it into the bottom left corner, catching the FC Goa defense off-guard and securing a vital equalizer.
FC Goa is set to face NorthEast United FC on January 14, while Hyderabad FC will go up against Bengaluru FC on January 18.
