MARGAO, GOA: NorthEast United FC shared the spoils with FC Goa in a scintillating 3-3 draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Friday, October 4, 2024.  

The Highlanders were rewarded for a bright start as Nestor Albiach ran into the FC Goa penalty box like a hot knife through butter before nestling the ball into the back of the net in the sixth minute.

In the 45th minute, the hosts earned a penalty after Mohammed Ali Bemammer brought down Drazic in the danger area. Sadiku shouldered the responsibility of taking the spot-kick and hammered home the equaliser.

The host had a perfect start to the second period as Boris Singh won possession in the danger area and he released Ayush Chhetri in space in the box, who found Sadiku with an intricate low cross. The Albanian made no mistake to hand FC Goa the lead in the 47th minute.

However, the Juan Pedro Benali-coached team retaliated brilliantly in the 51st minute as Jithin MS, Ajaraie and Nestor combined with the latter slamming the ball past Kattimani to bring the match back on level terms. Five minutes later, the provider turned scorer when Ajaraie won possession in midfield and ran at the FC Goa defence with purpose. The Moroccan continued his goal-scoring streak with a vicious left-footed effort from just outside the box handing the visitors a deserved lead.

FC Goa finally equalised when Borja Herrera combined with Drazic and the former hammered it home past Gurmeet in stoppage time. Alaeddine Ajaraie was named the Key Performer of the Match.

NorthEast United FC will be in action again at home as they will host Chennaiyin FC on October 17, whereas FC Goa will welcome Mumbai City FC on October 19.

(Courtesy: ISL Media Team)