NT Reporter
Panaji
FC Goa were forced to settle for a 1–1 draw against Punjab FC in a hard-fought Indian Super League clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday evening.
The Gaurs began the contest with good control of possession but struggled to break through Punjab’s compact defence in a first half that largely turned into a midfield battle with few clear chances.
Punjab struck just before the break when Nsungusi Effiong produced a moment of quality, curling his effort into the net to give the hosts a 1–0 lead at half-time.
FC Goa returned with greater urgency in the second half after head coach Manolo Márquez introduced Abdul Rabeeh and Raynier Fernandes, a move that quickly injected pace and intent into the Gaurs’ attack.
The game swung in Goa’s favour when Effiong was sent off for a headbutt on Pol Moreno, reducing Punjab to ten men and giving the visitors a numerical advantage.
The Gaurs made it count in the 53rd minute. Raynier Fernandes slipped a clever through ball to Brison Fernandes, who turned and squared it for Dejan Drazic at the edge of the box. The Serbian forward finished in style with the outside of his boot to bring FC Goa level.
With momentum and an extra man, FC Goa pressed hard for a winner in the closing stages. Drazic continued to threaten in attacking areas, while Brison Fernandes came close late on with a sharp volley, but Punjab’s defence held firm to deny the Gaurs a decisive goal.
The draw sees FC Goa take a point from the capital, extending their unbeaten run, though they will feel they had the chance to take all three after the sending off.
The Gaurs will now turn their focus to their next away fixture against Chennaiyin FC on Sunday, aiming to return to winning ways.
