FC Goa and NorthEast United FC shared the spoils in the Hero Indian Super League after a 1-1 draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Wednesday evening.
The visitors took the lead shortly after the commencement of the second half from a Victor Mendy header before Reinaldo levelled for Goa in the 80th.
The first chance came the Highlanders way from a corner in the fifth minute. Defender Carlos Javier Lopez headed a loose ball towards the Goa goal, but his effort was kept out by Leo Moura on the goal-line.
FC Goa came close six minutes later when Reinaldo headed back a cross towards the danger area. Striking partner Dudu was waiting for the ball and almost got there but goalie T.P. Rehenesh did enough to put off the Nigerian frontman.
The pendulum swung NorthEast United FC’s way next when Francis Dadzie went through on goal. Dadzie’s shot though was collected easily by L. Kattimani. This was the Ghanaian’s last piece of action as he had to be withdrawn shortly due to injury and was replaced by Mendy.
Sanju Pradhan then fired a shot from distance at the goal which Goa’s defence somehow managed to scramble away from the box after Rehenesh had parried away Pradhan’s initial effort. Pradhan shot four minutes later again but failed to break the deadlock.
The visitors came closest to getting their noses in front in the first half - four minutes before the break - when Bruno Arias carried the ball forward in a surging run but failed to give them the lead. This was the last meaningful action of the first period as the Highlanders went in at the break disappointed not to have taken the lead.
FC Goa remained on second spot with 19 points and NorthEast United FC moved to fourth with 17 points.
The result: FC Goa 1 (Victor Mendy 56) drew with NEUFC 1 (Reinaldo 80).
