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Former champions Atletico de Kolkata were made to fight hard and had to score the 2-1 winner in injury time to defeat hosts FC Goa in their Indian Super League – Season 3 match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao.
Atletico de Kolkata looked the better side in the first session but on a number of occasions FC Goa goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani denied the former champions the lead before striker Juan Belencoso headed in a Abhinas Ruidas cross in the 28th minute to finally put them ahead. ATK should have taken a bigger lead into the break, as it stayed 1-0 in their favour.
In the second session, FC Goa were more proactive and more involved in the game realising that they needed a win out of this game to push for a semifinal spot. The guests from Kolkata were lucky in one instance as left back Robert Lalthlamuana hit his own post, while Romeo Fernandes’ attempt went wide before Mandar Rao Desai equalised with a placed shot into the long corner in the 80th minute.
Now it was an open game with first Jofre wasting a good chance for FC Goa before Atletico de Kolkata had a number of chances on the counter. First substitute Sameehg Doutie set up Stephen Pearson, but his weak shot did not go into goal; then Sameehg Doutie himself took an attempt which hit the crossbar and post, but then finally Sameehg Doutie again found Stephen Pearson in injury time and this time he coolly slotted home for ATK.
With this vital win, Atletico de Kolkata move into second position in the standings and brighten their chances of a third semifinal appearance in ISL-3, while FC Goa after this loss are still in with a mathematical chance to make the knockout stage.
Match Awards
Club award: Atlético de Kolkata
Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Romeo Fernandes (FC Goa)
DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Sameehg Doutie (Atlético de Kolkata)
Maruti Suzuki Swift Moment of the Match: Laxmikant Kattimani (FC Goa)
ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Abinash Ruidas (Atlético de Kolkata)
Hero of the Match: Mandar Rao Dessai (FC Goa)
