ISL: FC Goa outclass NorthEast United 3-1
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Guwahati: FC Goa rallied after conceding an early goal to defeat NorthEast United 3-1 in an Indian Super League encounter here on Thursday.
The hosts took the lead in the 12th minute through Francis Dadzie, but Jonatan Lucca restored parity in the 28th minute at the Indira Gandhi Stadium here. Brazilian Reinaldo Oliviera put the Goans ahead after two minutes, while Mandar Dessai got an insurance goal in the 70th minute.
The Goans have now moved up to the second spot with seven points from four matches, while NorthEast are still searching for their first point after three games.
NorthEast United controlled procedings during the initial stages of both sessions, but lost steam as the game progressed.
A Raju Yumnam cross from the left set up NorthEast United's goal. Sanju Pradhan followed up well to find Dadzie, who headed in.
The hosts continued to be aggressive, but the complexion of the game changed when the Goans struck twice in two minutes.
Brazilian Jonatan Lucca released winger C.S. Sabeeth, who darted into the box and centred for Joffre Mateu. The medio fed an onrushing Lucca, and the Brazilian fired into the left corner of the net to make the scoreline 1-1.
Joffre spearheaded the second goal too. The Spaniard scampered into the box from the right and took a shot that was blocked by NorthEast United defender Cedric Hengbart, but Reiando was quick to dive and drive home with a right footer.
The Goans led 2-1 at halftime.
The hists were in command for the first few minutes of the second half, but FC Goa had the last laugh. Sabeeth built up a counter-attack and Leo Moura's though pass was connected into the net by Dessai.