Eugeneson Lyngdoh's maiden goal in the Indian Super League helped FC Pune City come from behind to record a 1-1 draw against FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on Friday evening.
An own goal from Roger Johnson just after the start of the second half gave the home side the lead, but Lyngdoh's header in the 64th minute cancelled the lead for FC Goa.
Pune stay on top with 13 points after the game while FC Goa move a place up to the third spot.
One of the best moments of the game came in the tenth minute itself as Roger Johnson used all his experience to track back and make a goalline clearance that had world-class written all over it. FC Goa worked out their way to beat the opposition defenders and Leo Moura delivered a wonderful through ball to Thongkhosiem Haokip.
The Indian forward just got past Pune custodian Steve Simonsen and Haokip's long shot on goal saw the ball keep rolling. And it was just on the verge of crossing the goalline when the English defender used all his pace to dive in and sweep the ball away.
Indian winger Mandar Rao Desai remained very unlucky not to get the opener for the home side as his tremendous shot from the left in the 22nd minute of play saw the ball hit the edge of the crossbar and go out. And it turned out to be a moment of big relief for FC Pune City.
Gregory Arnolin got a massive chance to get the lead for his side off Jonatan Lucca's corner, but his header was deflected inside the Pune City box, and went out of play.
The visitors had their chance coming but they were frustrated by their performances in the half. Kalu Uche, Bikash Jairu, as well as Gouramangi Singh came close enough but could not get the lead. Gouramangi's header off Nicky Shorey's freekick just before the half time also remained wayward.
It was goalless at half time.
The second half started with quite a momentum as the host side finally got their first blood as Romeo Fernandes received a fantastic cross inside the box from Jonatan Lucca. Romeo pulled the trigger, and Roger Johnson, who looked set to clear the ball out, simply slotted it in the back of his own net.
Catch the goal HERE.
In the next moment itself, the visitors struck back through Nicky Shorey. The Englishman's cross inside the box found Uche, who pulled the trigger instantly. However, some great marking from Arnolin prevented his shot, and the ball hit the upright and was caught instantly by FC Goa custodian Andrade.
The wait for the equaliser wasn't too long as an unmarked Eugeneson Lyngdoh headed in a wonderful cross from Wesley Verhoek and gave Andrade no chance at all this time.
The score remained the same until the end of the match, and a draw looked quite a fair result considering the effort put in by the sides in the second half.
The match also saw Bollywood star Varun Dhawan and Indian cricket star Virat Kohli present in the stands to cheer for the home side.
The highlights of the game can be seen HERE.
