FC Goa head coach Manuel Marquez shared his mixed feelings after his team managed a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati in the ongoing Indian Super League on Sunday.
After no goals in the first 45 minutes of the game, Mohammed Yasir broke the deadlock as he scored in the 65th minute to put the Gaurs in front. However, Jithin M.S found the equalizer for the Highlanders in the 76th minute.
The visitors had 54.5% possession and also took five shots on target. The Spaniard was disappointed with the way they conceded the goal in the second half.
“It’s painful that, again, the other team scored in the latter stages of the game. But I feel that the score is fair,” Marquez stated at the post-match press conference.
A point helped FC Goa surpass Bengaluru FC in the points table but they are still eight points in arrears to table toppers Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
“I say we’re fighting for the League Shield because we are ambitious. But the reality is that now at this moment we are second, and it seems that Mohun Bagan Super Giant have a good advantage. But let’s see what happens. We will continue fighting,” he opined.
FC Goa’s gaffer added that NorthEast United is a quality side but he was disappointed to lose two crucial points.
“NorthEast United FC are a very tough team because of the continuity, because they have very clear what they want to do, and it’s difficult to stop what they want to do because the feeling of danger is always there with their players.”
“To get one point here (is good), (but) we wanted three points. We are ambitious. But if you cannot win, it’s better to get one point than zero,” Marquez commented.
FC Goa will next take on East Bengal FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa on Sunday.
