FC Goa peg back ten men Atletico de Kolkata
The defending champions, Atletico de Kolkata had to satisfy with a 1-1 draw against a much improved and experienced side, FC Goa.
Antonio Lopez Habas made a surprise change when he included Arata Izumi in place of Valdo and Jose Luis Espinosa Arroyo instead of Sayed Nabi. This gamble was spot on as Izumi scored a spectacular goal inside just fifteen minutes which is already termed as a goal of the season by many pundits.
Atletico de Kolkata’s Baljit Sahni had a terrible night when he was sent off for head-butting FC Goa’s defender Gregory Arnolin which was needless and punishable.
The Gaurs took the advantage of it and late in the second half, Keenan Almeida drilled his shot into the net from the top of the box to make things even.
Brazilian legend Zico too made a change when he replaced Denson with Bikramjit Singh as a defensive midfielder in their eventual line-up.
FC Goa started the match brightly as they kept on dominating for the whole course of the match. Their integral midfield pairing of Leo Moura and Joffre paid off, yet again. Both of them started to control and dictate the game right from the kick off and with star player Romeo Fernandes and Mandar Rao Desai supporting them, the Gaurs were just short of a spectacular moment.
The first chance of the came on nine minutes when Joffre provided Reinaldo with a delightful chip but the frontman’s shot was way off target, it was surely a golden opportunity which of coursed backfire them unfortunately.
Four minutes later, it was Atletico de Kolkata’s time to try their fortune, Javi Lara’s cross from the right flank which was intended for Iain Hume turned out to be found by Arata Izumi who spectacularly volleyed his shot into the net, making it 1-0 in favour of the defending champions. It was a moment of brilliant technique for Izumi.
FC Goa’s Leo Moura and Romeo Fernandes both had their efforts going wide as they kept hunting for the equalizer.
On 31 minutes, FC Goa’s Marquee Captain Lucio had their best chance of the game when he found himself at striker position and had a go at goal with his left foot which ended up into Amrinder Singh’s hand, Atletico de Kolkata’s goalkeeper.
In the second half, Atletico de Kolkata made a quick change when they brought on Valdo for the provider of Azumi’s goal, Javi Lara.
Joffre and Reinaldo had couple of good link up play over the course of the match, just before the hour mark Reinaldo was found from a delightful ball by Joffre but the formers effort yet again was way off the target.
Just moments after getting the chance to double the lead, Baljit Sahni was sent off for a dubious head-butt on FC Goa’s defender Gregory Arnolin. The defending champions were down to ten men and they had more half an hour to hold their lead.
FC Goa since then started to dominate more as they had more than half of the ball possession, things started to get settle for the Gaurs as they had men advantage.
The hard work finally paid off, with just eight minutes left, Keenan Almeida drilled his shot from top of the box to equalize for Zico’s men as the 17000 fans inside Fatorda exploded in jubilation.
Somehow both the teams defended well for their life in dying minutes and shared a point with each other.
Keenan Almeida for his exquisite goal was named as “Indian Super League Emerging Player of the Match.”
Both, FC Goa and defending champions Atletico de Kolkata are still unbeaten with four points from two games.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…