ISL 2020-21: Ishan Pandita grabs late point for FC Goa vs ATK Mohun Bagan

Ishan Pandita (centre) celebrates after putting Goa level vs ATK Mohun Bagan.
Ishan Pandita (centre) celebrates after putting Goa level vs ATK Mohun Bagan.
Arjun Singh / Sportzpics for ISL

Second-half substitute Ishan Pandita's 83rd-minute strike helped FC Goa salvage a point against ATK Mohun Bagan with a 1-1 draw on Sunday. ATKMB had taken the lead through Edu Garcia's free kick in the 75th minute, but missed the chance to go within three points of league leaders Mumbai City FC after conceding late on. 

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Goa dominated possession in the first half, spraying passes around the pitch, while ATKMB maintained their shape and ensured their opponents were restricted to hopeful shots from outside the box. Even so, both teams had clear-cut chances hit the crossbar in the opening half.

ATKMB went close in the 27th minute off a corner by Garcia. His delivery was headed into the ground by Subasish Bose. The ball bounced up and looped over Goa keeper Naveen Kumar's head before hitting the crossbar. Goa returned the favour just four minutes later when Seriton Fernandes' attempted cross from the right flank deflected off Sandesh Jhingan's foot and found the ATKMB crossbar.

Goa threatened again toward the end of the half as Arindam Bhattacharya was called into action to stop a Saviour Gama shot in the 36th minute.

Goa nearly scored soon after the restart as another Seriton cross from the right eluded everyone before crashing into the inside of the upright but somehow staying out. Six minutes later, Bhattacharja was alerted again to save a deflected shot from Brandon Fernandes.

ATKMB found a goal against the run of play when Roy Krishna was fouled by James Donachie just outside the box and Garcia's powerful free kick found the right-hand corner of the net. But with just minutes left on the clock, Pandita diverted it into the net from a corner to drag Goa level.

The draw means ATKMB remain second with 21 points, still five points behind the leaders, with Goa just behind them at third with 19 points. Antonio Habas' team will next face Chennaiyin FC on January 21, while Goa are up against Kerala Blasters FC on January 23.

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