Kolkata, January 3: A fatigued FC Goa bounced back to hold two-time champions ATK 1-1 in a delayed Indian Super League football fixture that got over well past midnight under unforeseen circumstances at the Salt Lake Stadium.
Expect another half an hour delay. New kick-off time for @FCGoaOfficial vs @WorldATK could be 10:15pm. Team landed at Kolkata airport at 8:59pm
— Marcus Mergulhao (@MarcusMergulhao) January 3, 2018
The match had an unprecedented 10.45pm kick-off following a delay of two hours and 45 minutes, as the Goans landed here following a 24-hour ordeal after their morning chartered flight had to be rescheduled to the evening following the crash of a Navy fighter jet at the Dabolim airport.
Full-time! A superb performance from the #Gaurs who will be disappointed to not take home all 3 points. A day that saw the lads face great difficulty in getting to the Salt Lake stadium after issues with their aircraft! ATK 1 - 1 FC Goa! #ForcaGoa #WeTogether #KOLGOA pic.twitter.com/reCbb7g5mI
— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) January 3, 2018
ATK were quick to take the early advantage with Robbie Keane heading home a Ryan Taylor freekick in the fourth minute but the Goans shook off the fatigue to equalise through Ferran Corominas in the 24th minute.
Served on a plate by @TaylorR1984 and Robbie Keane makes no mistake! #LetsFootball #KOLGOA pic.twitter.com/KzWN7wvWi3
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) January 3, 2018
A confident finish by @FCGoaOfficial's star man! #LetsFootball #KOLGOA pic.twitter.com/weY7iLdn2O
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) January 3, 2018
Both teams had their share of chances in an intense second-half but could not find the winner as Goans secured a maiden draw, a positive result under the circumstances to move up to fourth ahead of Mumbai City FC on goal difference, while ATK remained on seventh.
.@FCGoaOfficial's Brandon Fernandes went down and was adamant the foul was inside the box!
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) January 3, 2018
Watch it LIVE on @hotstartweets: https://t.co/9gnjv2wYR2
JioTV users can watch it LIVE on the app. #ISLMoments #KOLGOA #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/odgE5s5kIW
The second half was slightly cautious, apart from a few moments of brilliance - one of which came from Corominas. He turned past two men and escaped down the byline before laying it on a platter for Mandar. The Goan couldn't convert first-time in what was the easiest chance of the match. ATK goalkeeper Debjit Majumder was brilliant as Goa piled on the pressure, beating away numerous shots.
ATK came to life in the last 10 minutes and attacked the visitors, who arrived here after a traveling nightmare which resulted in the match kicking off at 10.45pm. Jayesh Rane's snapshot didn't have enough power, Taylor's cross for Keane was intercepted and Zequinha also had a go from distance but it was just over.