MARGAO, Feb 4: NorthEast United came from behind to hold FC Goa to a 2-2 draw in an Indian Super League match here today.
Mandar Rao Dessai (42nd minute) and Ferran Corominas (53rd) scored for FC Goa, while Mario De Souza Greogorio Junior (45th) and substitute John Jairo Mosquera (71st) were the goal getters for the visitors.
The draw enabled FC Goa to reach 20 points, the same as Kerala Blasters, but due to better goal difference, the Goan outfit are placed fifth.
NorthEast United are placed ninth with 11 points from 12 matches.
Both the teams made one change to their starting eleven. Incidentally, both right backs, FC Goa�s Seriton Fernandes and NorthEast�s Nirmal Chetri, were suspended for this game. Jonathan Cardozo and Robert Lalthlamuana were their replacements. After their double loss against Mumbai City, FC Goa needed a win today to climb to the fourth place.
The hosts started cautiously but suffered an early setback when Brandon Fernandes limped off with an ankle injury with Manvir Singh coming in his place.
Coach Sergio Lobera made a tactical change pushing Manvir upfront in place of Coro, who dropped down to assist Lanzarote and Goa found their bearing as they controlled the midfield.
NorthEast United, who too needed a win, started positively and looked more dangerous in their attacks.
They came close to scoring twice, but Laxmikant Kattimani was alert under the FC Goa bar to deny Marcio. � PTI