Indian Super League 2021/22: FC Goa come from behind to draw 2-2 against Kerala Blasters

Kerala started like a freight train, taking a 2-0 lead within the first 20 minutes. FC Goa, though, showed real resolve to bring the game back to 2-2.

FC Goa in action against Kerala Blasters; Credit: Twitter@IndSuperLeague
By Karthik Raman | Jan 2, 2022 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

FC Goa rallied from two goals behind to settle for a 2-2 draw against Kerala Blasters at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco, Goa on Sunday. Kerala started like a freight train, taking a 2-0 lead within the first 20 minutes on the Indian Super League clash. FC Goa, though, showed real resolve to bring the game back to 2-2 within the first half and would count themselves unlucky to not have gone back with all three points as a slew of vital decisions went against Derrick Pereira’s men. Pereira, in the hunt for his first win as FC Goa head coach, brought Edu Bedia and Glan Martins back into the starting XI as Alberto Noguera and Princeton Rebello missed out on a starting place.  

All-action first half

Kerala came out the stronger of the two sides and it didn’t take long for them to make a mark in the game. A 10th-minute corner by Adrian Luna saw Jeakson Singh attack the near post with vigour before providing a telling flick that gave Dheeraj Singh no chance in the FC Goa goal. The Blasters further built on the lead 10 minutes later, this time through a sensational strike by Luna. The midfielder found space and unleashed a shot from 35 odd yards and made it count – the Uruguayan’s effort swerved and dipped viciously, leaving the diving Dheeraj helpless. 

However, just as the game seemed to be slipping away from Derrick Pereira’s men, they responded. Four minutes later, two goals down, the Gaurs scored their first of the game as Ortiz did brilliantly to swivel on a spot before unleashing a low hard shot that got the better of Prabhsukhan Gill. The goal was also FC Goa’s 250th of the ISL – the first team to get to the mark. 

The Gaurs’ comeback was complete a few minutes later through Edu Bedia’s first of the season. The Spaniard struck directly from the corner, whipping the ball past Gill, who seemed to have misjudged the flight of the ball.  

Goalless second period

The 54th minute of the game saw Seriton Fernandes bomb down the right before pulling it back as he approached the touchline. The right-back’s sudden move caught Jessel Carneiro off guard as the Kerala skipper’s sliding challenge upended Seriton’s foray into the penalty box. The referee, however, wasn’t convinced. 

Three minutes later, the referee was again in the thick of things as he booked Jorge Ortiz for what he deemed to be a dive in the penalty box. Devendra Murgaokar and Jorge Ortiz found themselves in opportune positions while Edu Bedia struck the crossbar from a free kick but couldn’t find a way to the Kerala goal as the game finished all square. 

The result sees FC Goa remain in 9th spot with 9 points from as many games. Kerala, meanwhile, stay 3rd with 14 points from their 9 games whilst extending their unbeaten run to 8 games. FC Goa will be back in action on January 8 when they take on Chennaiyin FC.





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