A pulsating clash at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
Stadium in Fatorda saw FC Goa’s hopes of climbing to second place in the Indian Super League (ISL) dashed by a dramatic late equalizer from Hyderabad FC.
The fiery encounter, which also featured two red cards and numerous near-misses, ended in a 1-1 stalemate, leaving the home side with mixed emotions as their unbeaten streak extended to nine games.
Earlier in the day, FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez made four changes to his starting XI from last week’s win over Odisha FC. The absence of Odei Onaindia, suspended due to yellow card accumulation, marked his first missed game for the Gaurs since joining the Club last summer.
Carl McHugh stepped into the defence, allowing Ayush Chhetri to reclaim his midfield role, while Dejan Drazic and Armando Sadiku returned to lead the attack.
The Gaurs then started brightly and could have taken the lead as early as the fifth minute. Mohammad Yasir’s deft pass found Sadiku in the six-yard box, but the Albanian’s clever back-flick struck the post and was scrambled clear. Hyderabad, in turn, responded swiftly, showcasing their counterattacking ability. Efforts from Ramhlunchhunga, Joseph Sunny, and Andrei Alba kept the Goa defence backline alert, though none found the target.
In the 27th minute, Goa came agonizingly close again. A long ball saw Brison Fernandes outpace opposition goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh and set up Sadiku in the box. However, the striker’s shot was smothered by a pair of diving defenders. Moments later, Boris Singh’s pinpoint cross also found the Albanian, but his header sailed just over the bar.
As halftime approached, Sadiku had another chance to break the deadlock. Drazic delivered a perfect ball into the box, but the forward’s effort was blocked, leaving the home fans frustrated. The breakthrough finally came in the 52nd minute. Boris’s cross to the far post was headed back into the danger zone by Drazic, where Sadiku connected with a stunning acrobatic volley, sending the ball into the top corner.
Soon after, tensions ignited on the field. Hyderabad’s Alex Saji, already on a yellow card, clashed with Goa’s Borja, who controversially received a straight red. Minutes later, Saji himself was sent off for a reckless tackle on Sadiku, reducing both sides to 10 men.
Hyderabad FC nearly equalized in the 81st minute when substitute Allan Paulista’s header seemed destined for the top corner, but Goa’s young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari produced a sensational save. Tiwari was called upon again moments later, denying Devendra Murgaokar with another sharp stop.
Just as the Gaurs seemed poised for victory, Hyderabad struck in added time. Isaac Vanmalsawma’s cross found Paulista, who coolly slotted into the bottom corner, silencing the home crowd. This 1-1 draw hence keeps FC Goa in third place with 26 points from 14 matches. As the Men in Orange now aim to regain their momentum, they will come up against NorthEast United at their backyard next Tuesday in their next assignment in the league.
