FC Goa scored a late equaliser to salvage a draw against reigning champions Atletico de Kolkata in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium, Margao on Wednesday.
Brazilian legend Zico named an unchanged Goa lineup whereas Atletico coach Antonio Habas made three changes from the 3-2 win against Chennayian FC in the opening fixture of the new season. Arata Izumi, Denzil Franco, and Tiri all made their way into the starting eleven.
The home team started the game brightly, but it was visitors who took the lead against the run of the play. Arriving late in the box, Izumi scored an amazing volley from Javi Lara's cross from the right in the 13th minute.
Both teams had a number of half-chances in the opening 45 minutes but no one came close to scoring, and the two sides into the dressing rooms at half-time with visitors leading 1-0.
Goa started the second half with intent, and Brazilian defender Lucio struck the post from Jofre's free-kick on 48 minutes. The game was turned on its head when Kolkata's Baljit Sahni was given his marching orders for a stupid head-butt on Goa centre-back Gregory Arnolin in the 62nd minute.
Jofre again came close to levelling when his shot went wide of the far post on 81 minutes, but the home team didn't have to wait too long for their equalising goal. Seconds later, Keenan Almeida got his side back in the contest after Reinaldo had headed the ball down in the box from Mandar Dessai's cross, giving Almeida the chance to make no mistake in putting the ball into the back of the net.
Seven minutes of extra-time was added to the game, but there was no dramatic late winner as both teams settled for a point.
Goa, who find themselves on top of the table, will now prepare for Sunday's home clash with Chennaiyin while second-placed Atletico will welcome Kerala Blasters on Tuesday in a re-match of last season's inaugural final.
2015 HERO ISL SEASON SCORES
FC Goa: 1 (Keenan Almeida 81')
Atletico de Kolkata: 1 (Arata Izumi 13')
Fatorda Stadium, Margao, Goa - 17,634
