ISL 2024-25: NorthEast United Secures Draw Against FC Goa
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Synopsis
In a thrilling match at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on January 14, NorthEast United FC rallied to a 1-1 draw against FC Goa. Jithin M.S. scored the equalizer after Mohammad Yasir initially put Goa ahead. This contest marked the 11th draw in ISL history between these two teams.
Key Takeaways
- NorthEast United FC equalized in the 76th minute.
- Mohammad Yasir opened the scoring for FC Goa.
- Both teams showed resilience throughout the match.
- This was the 11th draw between these teams in ISL history.
- Next matches: NorthEast vs. Kerala and FC Goa vs. East Bengal.
Guwahati, Jan 14 (NationPress) Jithin M.S. netted a vital equalizer as NorthEast United FC fought back to draw 1-1 with FC Goa in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Tuesday. Mohammad Yasir initially gave the Gaurs the lead, but Jithin's decisive strike in the 76th minute ensured the Highlanders shared the spoils. This marks the 11th draw in their encounters, the highest between any two teams in ISL history.
The Highlanders kicked off the match aggressively, with players like Guillermo Fernandez and Alaaeddine Ajaraie making impressive runs, pressuring the FC Goa defense. The first significant chance fell to the Gaurs when Dejan Drazic delivered a precise cross to Armando Sadiku, whose header failed to challenge Gurmeet Singh.
Shortly after, Ajaraie nearly scored as Buanthanglun Samte provided an excellent long pass. The Moroccan was one-on-one but had his shot saved by Hritik Tiwari. Samte exploited the right flank effectively, delivering excellent crosses, yet the NorthEast forwards were unable to capitalize.
Despite facing pressure from the Highlanders throughout most of the first half, FC Goa ended the half strongly. They created several opportunities and controlled the midfield, nearly scoring when Brison Fernandes skillfully evaded his marker but hit the crossbar.
NorthEast United FC began the second half energetically, yet struggled to penetrate FC Goa's solid defense.
In the 59th minute, assistant coach Naushad Moosa made tactical substitutions, bringing on Nestor Albiach and Ninthoinganba Meetei for Guillermo and Muthu Mayakkannan. Nestor quickly created a chance, but Odei Onaindia cleared the threat.
FC Goa scored against the run of play in the 65th minute when Jay Gupta sent a long ball into the box, which Mohammed Yasir skillfully converted, giving the Gaurs a crucial lead.
The Highlanders sought to equalize with numerous long balls, but FC Goa's Odei and Sandesh Jhingan effectively cleared their lines.
Frustrated, NorthEast switched tactics and launched a counter-attack.
Ajaraie held the ball well before threading a superb pass to Jithin, who calmly slotted it past Hrithik in the 76th minute. Following this, Manolo Marquez brought on Iker Guarrotxena and Ayush Chhetri to bolster their attack. Both teams attempted to secure a winner, but the match ended in a stalemate.
NorthEast United FC will head to Kerala to face the Kerala Blasters on January 18, while FC Goa will host East Bengal FC on January 19.
