This was Goa’s first win at home after losing three matches in a row and gives them 10 points from 10 matches. Their inferior goal difference means they will continue to be at the bottom despite having the same number of points as Chennaiyin FC and NorthEast United. FC Goa started with just two foreign players due to suspensions and injuries and the hosts were under pressure right from the start as NorthEast United sought to capitalise. NorthEast United had the first chance in the third minute itself when Katsumi Yusa floated a corner-kick but Nicolas Velez’s tap from close rnage was saved by goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani. Katsumi then tried his luck with a long-range free-kick which Kattimani parried away to safety and then Rowlin Borges failed to keep his open header on target after Seityasen Singh had whipped in a perfect cross.

FC Goa were relying largely on counter attacks but had their chances. Trindade Goncalves sent a ball through for Robin Singh in the 32nd minute but the India striker’s left-footed attempt was pushed away for a corner kick by NorthEast goalkeeper Subrata Paul. NorthEast came close towards the end but only ended up hitting the crossbar twice. Gustavo Lazzaretti’s header first struck the crossbar from close range and then Velez also met with a similar fate when he had beaten Kattimani in the air.

Goa equalised in the 61st minute against the run of play. A long ball from Trindade saw Romeo race ahead and get the better of Holicharan Narzary inside the danger zone. He then kept his cool to lay the ball for Robin who finished with ease to draw level. Goa, however, were again on the back foot in the 72nd minute when midfielder Sahil Tavora was sent off for a second yellow card, putting additional pressure on the hosts. NorthEast pressed hard for the winner but Goa had the last laugh after Romeo Fernandes gave finishing touches to a through ball from Robin Singh in the fourth minute of added time.