Margao: On a day the Indian Super League (ISL) reminded everyone of FC Goa’s record of scoring more goals (407) than any other club in the history of the competition, the former Shield winners conjured a stoppage-time equaliser against SC Delhi for a 1-1 result at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Wednesday.After a first half that produced plenty of chances but no goals, Juan Pena capitalised on Udanta Singh’s defensive lapse to put Delhi ahead in the 51st minute. Goa had 20 shots, four of them on target. But it was not until Alex Vallejo trapped a freekick and then turned it home in the final minute of time added on that the home team had a reason to celebrate, even if it only ended in a draw.Neither team will be happy. Delhi did pick their first point after two losses, but they trooped out disappointed, knowing three points were there for the taking. Goa have two points from two but the inability to secure a win after two home games will rankle.“We got a point with a last-minute goal but, given how they performed, the chances created, we should have won,” said coach Gouramangi Singh. “We had to convert those chances.”Though not gilt-edged, there were chances for Goa.In the first 12 minutes, the home team created four chances, got close, but never really tested Delhi keeper Nora Fernandes. Muhammed Nemil missed twice; Chiki missed his footing inside the box and KC Malsawmsanga’s effort from a difficult angle sailed past the post.When Malsawmsanga did meet Franchu’s through ball and curved it past the onrushing goalkeeper, the goal was flagged offside. The fans couldn’t believe their eyes with television replays suggesting that the young Goa winger had stayed behind Delhi defender Nduka Junior before pushing forward.Then Franchu went close and Nemil’s excellent first touch opened up space in the final third, only for his thunderous left footer to miss the target.Delhi started gingerly but were smart enough to adapt quickly. Pena and Rodriguinho gave Goa defenders a torrid time with Aimen and Azhar doing their bit.Early in the second half, Goa gifted Delhi the opening goal. It was Udanta who gave away the ball to Rodriguinho. The Brazilian happily carried it into Goa’s half and laid it on a platter for Pena to score, despite a desperate lunge from Vallejo.With their backs to the wall, Goa stepped up. Vallejo was impressive in midfield, Tomba Singh did well too, while Alex Zalaya found enough time to lift several balls over the rival defence. The final touch, though, was missing.Goa seemed to continuously fall short. Chiki’s close-range header sailed wide, another sliding attempt was lifted over the bar, Sandesh Jhingan too missed from a cornerkick, and Franchu’s effort from an acute angle struck the goalkeeper.Goa were rewarded for their persistence in the fifth minute of stoppage time. From a calculated Franchu freekick, an unmarked Vallejo controlled the ball inside the box and calmly slotted it home.
