NorthEast United FC staged a spirited comeback to hold FC Goa to a 1-1 draw in a hard-fought Indian Super League (ISL) encounter on Tuesday. Goals from Mohammad Yasir and Jithin MS ensured the spoils were shared, marking the 11th draw between these two sides—the most in ISL history.
The Highlanders began on the front foot, with Guillermo Fernandez and Alaaeddine Ajaraie posing constant threats to the FC Goa defense. Despite their bright start, NorthEast failed to convert opportunities into goals.
The first significant chance fell to the Gaurs when Dejan Drazic delivered a pinpoint cross to Armando Sadiku. The Albanian striker’s header, however, was comfortably saved by Gurmeet Singh. Minutes later, Ajaraie nearly broke the deadlock but was denied by FC Goa goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, who tipped his effort over the bar.
After a goalless first half, both teams sought a breakthrough. In the 59th minute, NorthEast assistant coach Naushad Moosa made pivotal substitutions, bringing on Nestor Albiach and Ninthoinganba Meetei to inject fresh energy.
Nestor almost had an immediate impact, linking up with Ajaraie in a slick give-and-go. However, a timely intervention from FC Goa’s Odei Onaindia thwarted the Spaniard’s effort.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 65th minute. Jay Gupta launched a precise long ball into the penalty area, where Yasir played it to Brison Fernandes. Brison returned the ball to Yasir, who unleashed a powerful strike into the bottom-right corner, giving FC Goa a vital lead.
Undeterred, NorthEast United turned to counterattacks to find a way back. In the 76th minute, Ajaraie showcased his playmaking prowess, delivering a perfectly weighted through ball to Jithin MS. The winger kept his composure to slot the ball past Hrithik Tiwari, leveling the score and sparking jubilant celebrations among the Highlanders’ camp.
The draw marked the 11th between these two teams. Post-match, Ajaraie’s contribution earned praise. “We kept pushing even after going behind,” he said. “The team showed great character, and I’m happy to have contributed to the equalizer.”
The result sees both teams walk away with a point, further tightening the mid-table battle as the ISL season approaches its critical stages.
