Unbeaten now for nine games, FC Goa concede late equaliser against Hyderabad

Margao: The disappointment on everyone’s faces at the end of the final whistle said it all.
FC Goa missed the chance to move second in the Indian Super League (ISL) points table after conceding a stoppage-time equaliser against Hyderabad FC to finish 1-1 at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Wednesday.
Armando Sadiku (52’) ended his five-game goal drought to put Goa ahead but it wasn’t enough as the hosts were tentative towards the closing stages, before Allan Paulista stunned the home crowd with a delightful half volley in added time.
Both sides were reduced to ten men. Borja Herrera was first to receive the marching orders at the hour mark and then it was the turn of Hyderabad captain Alex Saji, who received his second booking in the 71st minute.
After a run of uneaten games that has now stretched to nine matches, Goa remained third with 26 points, a point behind second-placed Bengaluru FC and six adrift of league leaders Mohun Bagan SG.
Goa coach Manolo Marquez made a couple of changes from the team that won 4-2 win against Odisha FC in the last outing. With captain Odei Onaindia suspended, Carl McHugh partnered Sandesh Jhingan in the centre of defence.
Goa did not take Hyderabad lightly and attacked right from the start. They targeted the left flank and tried to find Sadiku, who returned to the starting lineup in place of Iker Guarrotxena.
Sadiku came close early in the game when he tried to guide the ball after a fierce shot from Yasir Mohammad, but the effort hit the upright.
Just before the half an hour mark, Sadiku had another chance. A quick set piece by Borja found Brison Fernandes on the wings. Hyderabad goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh risked it all and came out of his position to intercept the ball and missed it. Brison got hold of possession and found Sadiku but the Albanian was already marked by two defenders and couldn’t get a clear look at goal.
Goa started afresh in the second half and finally managed to break down the stubborn Hyderabad defence in the 52nd minute. Boris Singh sent in a floater to the far corner and Dejan Drazic headed towards Sadiku, who scored with an acrobatic finish for his ninth goal of the season.
With the lead at home, all that Goa had to do was build on with the momentum but instead suffered a setback. Saji pulled Borja’s shirt and the Spanish midfielder lost his cool, headbutting the Hyderabad captain. He was sent off with a straight red card.
Goa were forced to adopt a defensive strategy and attacked on the counter.
Midway into the second half, Sadiku unleashed a powerful freekick as Arshdeep fumbled with his collection and Hyderabad managed to block Drazic’s attempt from the rebound.
Tempers continued to flare up and soon Hyderabad were reduced to 10 men after Alex needlessly brought down Sadiku for a second yellow.
With 10 minutes left to be played, Goa custodian Hrithik Tiwari came up with a crucial save to deny a header by Paulista, who also hit the post in the final minute.
However, in stoppage time, Tiwari stood no chance as Paulista chested down the ball, turned and unleashed a half volley from inside the box that crashed into the net.
Goa will next face NorthEast United FC in Guwahati on Tuesday.