Igor debuts with brace as Goa salvage a point against Bengaluru

by Suchit Halder November 22, 2020

Igor Angulo’s 2nd half brace spoils the party for Bengaluru FC as FC Goa salvage a point with two goals after being 2-0 down.

A fiery contest over the years between FC Goa and Bengaluru FC, continued on its promise as another banger of a game was played out today. The game ended in a 2-2 draw between the two sides at the end of 90 minutes  at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda.

Despite Goa dominating on the ball, with 65% possession in the first half, it was the Blues who scored the first goal of the game from a strong throw by Harmanjhot Khabra in the FC Goa penalty area, which somehow found its way to Cleiton Silva’s head. The attacker headed the ball past Nawaz’s diving effort into the net in the 27th minute as the Blues took the lead.

Both teams went into the break with Bengaluru leading by a solitary goal margin. The second half began with Goa keeping possession and trying to feed the ball to their strikers. In the 57th minute, the Blues pounced on another opportunity as substitute Deshon Brown headed the ball towards the 6 yard box which was then headed by Erik Paartalu at the feet of Juanan. The defender had an easy tap-in which he did not fail to score. The 57th minute goal by the defender seemed to seal victory for the Blues.

The Bengaluru defence kept a high line and was successful in keeping Igor offside for most part of the game. But the magic happened for Goa when Coach Juan Ferrando made two substitutions by bringing in Brandon Fernandez and Alberto Noguera for Princeton Rebello and Seiminlen Doungel.

Brandon and Noguera teamed up brilliantly to set up Igor for his first ISL goal in the 66th minute. Brandon played the ball through a crowded defence of Bengaluru players before Noguera slipped it past the Blues’ defence for Igor who beautifully finished it with his left foot, beating the Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Sandhu comfortably.

The comeback was completed within no time as Brandon played a through ball in the 69th minute to winger Romario Jesuraj who crossed the ball towards Igor. An unorthodox finish by Igor with his stomach assured the Gaurs of their 2nd goal and scores were all level .

By the end, both goalkeepers were kept busy with a few long range shots, dangerous set pieces and crosses flooding both the penalty areas. A fiery contest as it was anticipated to be, saw bookings for players from both sides.

FC Goa would be happy with their comeback and the grit they showed to bounce back. Juan Ferrandos debut game as a coach was surely not what he expected, but a draw would give him confidence and self-belief that Goa are serious contenders this season. As for Bengaluru FC, coach Carles Cuadrat would be disappointed in his team as they dropped points from a winning position.

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: Ranking FC Goa’s top five biggest wins by goal margin

Also Read: ‘Scoring mentality’ will help Danu in succeeding in the Hero ISL

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