Victory eludes FC Goa again

Guwahati, Oct. 19: NorthEast United FC capitalised on a debatable penalty decision as they held FC Goa to a 1- 1 draw in a high intensity Indian Super League match here on Sunday.

Playing their third match at home, NorthEast United conceded a goal in the 17th minute after their goalkeeper T. P. Rehenesh made a blunder but they got the equaliser in the 36th minute through a penalty kick conversion at the Indira Gandhi Stadium.

The home side were the better side for most part of the contest on the day but their forwards failed to convert the chances that came their way.

Sunday’s result meant that Brazillian legend Zico will have to wait for his side’s first win in the tour- nament as they had lost their opening match 1- 2 to Chennaiyin FC at home last week.

Despite the NorthEast United going all out in attack, it were the Goan side who took the lead capitalising on shoddy goalkeeping from Rehenesh, who started in place of former Greek World Cupper Alexandros Tzorvas.

Rehenesh spilled the ball in what should have been a comfortable take from Andre Santos’ free- kick, leading to a scramble inside the six- yard box and Gregory Arnolin slotted it home.

NorthEast United equalised after Spanish player Sergio Contreras Pardo ( Koke) slotted home to the left as the keeper dived the other way, to level the match.