NorthEast United FC assistant coach Naushad Moosa feels the players are starting to believe in themselves after a 1-1 draw against FC Goa at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati in the ongoing Indian Super League on Tuesday.

After a goalless first half, Mohammad Yasir scored the opening goal of the evening for the Gaurs in the 65th minute. However, the Highlanders were able to equalize as Jithin M.S. found the back of the net in the 76th with a clinical strike.

“We were expecting a good, quality game – more tactical, especially in the centre of the pitch,” Moosa said at the post-match press conference.

“Of course, we created a lot of chances. After getting a goal, that’s when I saw my team always getting better. We try to keep the ball and have a free mind, and that’s when we play better football,” he added.

Moosa admitted that FC Goa is a consistent team and they had to work hard for a point.

“A team like FC Goa is consistent. It’s never an easy match. But we have also been consistent. If you see our last four or five games, we are not losing points. The way the team is playing now, we are starting to believe in ourselves,” he said.

Moosa is confident about their campaign, noting, “We still have eight or nine games left. With some points from these matches, we should be there.”

NorthEast United have been unbeaten in their last five games, with their three previous games ending in a stalemate.

“To tell you the truth, no. When you lose, that’s when you go down. A draw keeps the players motivated and confident. The team is consistent. We’re not losing, which is a good thing,” he said.

NorthEast United will play their next match against Kerala Blasters FC on January 18.