Alexander Romario came off the bench and scored a stoppage-time equaliser for FC Goa and share the points in Bambolim on Tuesday.
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FC Goa boss Derrick Peeira felt his team “have created chances but couldn’t convert them” after the 1-1 draw against Odisha FC in the Indian super League (ISL) fixture on Tuesday. Odisha FC broke the deadlock just after the hour-mark through Jonathan de Jesus’ penalty kick and just when they were getting ready to celebrate a victory, came FC Goa’s equaliser a couple of seconds before the final whistle in Bambolim. Alexander Romario came off the bench to head home from Airam Cabrera’s perfect cross in the final minutes of stoppage time.
FULL-TIME | #FCGOFC
Alexander Jesuraj’s super-late equalizer earns @FCGoaOfficial a draw against @OdishaFC ?#HeroISL #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/0AmKRcDLlN
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) February 1, 2022
It was an evenly contested match and there wasn’t much difference between both sides. Goa had the majority of ball possession and created more chances but Odisha on the other hand, sat back and played counter-attacking football.
Pereira said after the match: “a point has given us something to look for in the next five matches. It would have been disappointing if we lost this match. We went in with an intent to do well and get the three points, we had some chances to convert, which we couldn’t. And I think the team did their best. But by saying that, I would say, some of our players need to step up a bit and try to give more than what they did today.”
Goa had 65% of ball possession and attempted 24 shots, out of which seven were on target. The Gaurs have been very good at keeping the ball and creating opportunities but aren’t clinical enough in front of goal. Pereira continued “We are a team where we keep the ball and look to create opportunities, which we did today. I think we did well, going forward. Yes, this has been a weakness in this season, converting those chances. In each and every match, we have created chances but couldn’t convert them. And that has been our downfall this season.”
The draw left FC Goa languishing at the ninth spot with 15 points from 15 games, 5 points adrift the top four with five games left. When asked about Goa’s chances of making it to the play-offs, Pereira said “It’s doubtful, it’s very tough now, very tough. Unless the top teams drop points, then it could be a possibility. Otherwise, no.”
