Lucky Goa grab a point against Bagan

Margao: For the first time since the inception of the Indian Super League (ISL), the Derby is likely to decide the title winners in the top tier of Indian football.

The Derby between Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal is the most followed fixture in Indian football. This season, when the teams face off later this month, there will be added spice, and the title at stake.

Bagan had a chance to nose ahead of their eternal rivals but dropped points after being held 1-1 by FC Goa at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Saturday.

After an entertaining first half, it was Jamie Maclaren who gave Bagan the lead in the 55th minute. But Goa needed a bit of luck after substitute Ronney Kharbudon’s attempted cross landed in the Bagan goal in the 67th minute for the equaliser.

Goa are fifth on the table with 20 points from 12 games, while Bagan moved to second with 21 points and 10 games, the same as East Bengal. In a truncated season, both Kolkata teams now have three games left to be played, including the decisive Derby.

Goa’s chance to challenge for the title vanished after a 0-2 defeat against Jamshedpur FC last week, but the home team was determined to show their true character against the star-studded visitors. Assistant coach Gouramangi Singh made three changes to the starting 11 with young custodian Bob Jackson making his second start and eventually finishing with the Man-of-the-Match award.

Fresh from a two-week break, Sergio Lobera’s side tried to establish control right from the start. It was Apuia who tried his luck from distance as his powerful effort sailed inches over.

Former Goa winger Liston Colaco tried to work his magic on either flank for Bagan but was kept under check.

At the other end, Goa forward Muhammed Nemil almost got himself in a one-on-one position with keeper Vishal Kaith until a last-ditch clearance from Subhashish Bose helped keep a clean slate.

In the second half, Lobera introduced Manvir Singh and Jason Cummings in place of an injured Apuia and Brazilian Robson Da Silva.

The action, though, was at the other end as Bagan defender Tom Aldred came up with a spectacular block to leave Pol Moreno frustrated.

The visitors broke the deadlock in the 55th minute after a momentary lapse of concentration allowed Maclaren a free run and the Australian striker made no mistake, shooting past a helpless Bob.

Soon, Goa made three substitutions as Ronney, Daniel Lalhlimpuia and Mohammed Yasir took the field.

Goa needed something special to crawl their way back into the tie. They found it, with a bit of luck. Dejan Drazic picked up Ronney on the right flank and the defender attempted a cross which dipped into the Bagan goal, leaving everyone stunned.

Needing a win, Bagan pushed harder. Sahal Abdul Samad crafted a move towards the end and set the ball on the platter for Cummings, only for the striker to shoot wide from close range.

Goa had their chances too, particularly in added time as Daniel came close twice.

The tiredness, particularly towards the last quarter, was there for everyone to see as the match ended in a tie.