Kolkata, March 5 East Bengal FC and FC Goa played out a goalless draw in their Indian Super League match at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Thursday.
The Gaurs provisionally occupy third place in the table with eight points from four matches, while the Red and Gold brigade are a place below with seven points from four games. Miguel Ferreira was named the Player of the Match.
The visitors had the first opportunity to score when Ishan Pandita ran past the defenders to receive a lobbed pass from Dejan Dražić, but centre-back Anwar Ali made a crucial recovery tackle to deny the striker a shot. East Bengal then controlled possession in midfield as Goa contented themselves with counter-attacking.
The first real chance of the match came for East Bengal at the 15th minute. Naorem Mahesh Singh played a perfectly weighted pass to Bipin Singh on the left wing. The winger delivered a pinpoint cross into the box for Youssef Ezzejjari, who was unmarked, but the striker's attempt went over the crossbar.
On the other end, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill expertly saved Brison Fernandes' shot after the visitors had carved open the defence with a slick move involving Ayush Dev Chhetri and Boris Singh.
Moments later, Boris' right-footed effort hit the post and came back as Goa enjoyed their best period of attack in the first half.
The home side also came close to scoring when Mohamad Rashid hit the crossbar with a long-range effort. The midfielder's powerful attempt went over the hands of the goalkeeper before striking the crossbar.
Despite the attempts on goal, both teams went into the half-time break with the score reading 0-0.
The second half turned out to be a cagey affair, with chances at a premium as both teams solidified their defence, making it difficult for the attackers to create opportunities on goal. Both coaches introduced fresh legs, but it did not change the way both teams approached the second half.
FC Goa came closest to scoring when Abdul Rabeeh set up fellow substitute Raynier Fernandes at the edge of the box. The midfielder's right-footed attempt sailed over the crossbar.
In the end, both teams had to settle for a point each. East Bengal piled on the pressure in added time, but FC Goa held their composure to ensure the match ended in a first-ever stalemate between the two sides.
