ISL 2015: FC Goa hold North East United to 1-1 draw, maintain 2nd spot

With this draw, Zico’s boys maintained their second position in the league table with 19 points from 12 games — one behind leaders Atletico de Kolkata. (Source: ISL)

FC Goa came from behind to hold North East United to a 1-1 draw in the 12th round encounter of the Indian Super League football tournament, in Margao on Wednesday.

While North East got the lead through substitute Victor Mendy in the 56th minute, the home team drew level in the 80th minute courtesy Reinaldo da Cruz Oliveira.

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With this draw, Zico’s boys maintained their second position in the league table with 19 points from 12 games — one behind leaders Atletico de Kolkata.

The draw also took NorthEast United to the fourth spot with 17 points from 12 games — one behind the third placed Delhi Dynamos.

After a barren first half, the visitors drew first blood in the 56th minute through a set-piece movement. Simao Sabrosa essayed a high loopy corner, which was powerfully nodded home by Mendy, who successfully negated his marker timing the jump to perfection.

For Goa, their Nigerian striker Dudu Omagbemi wasn’t given much free space to operate and could not create any decisive inroads.

Goa’s equaliser came in the 80th minute when India international Pranoy Halder kept a crossfield ball for Brazilian Leo Moura, who set it up for fellow countryman Reinaldo. The No 11 unleashed a powerful grounder that crashed into the back of the net as it went between the legs of goalkeeper TP Rahneesh.