Sunil Chhetri celebrates with Prince Ibara after scoring his 48th career ISL goal.
Veteran striker Sunil Chhetri became the joint highest goal scorer in the ISL as Bengaluru FC drew against FC Goa 1-1 draw on Sunday.
Chetri scored his 48th goal as the Blues were one goal down in the second half at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim.
Both teams were playing great football from the opening whistle. Bengaluru FC had an early chance with Prince Ibara's run along the right to find Cleiton Silva, who took a shot but failed to get past the Gaurs' keeper Dheeraj Singh. However, FC Goa suffered a massive blow as midfielder Glenn Martins was taken off the field on a stretcher because of a hamstring injury and was replaced by Princeton Rebello.
Fox's first goal
With four minutes left in the break, FC Goa took the lead as Australian defender Dylan Fox scored his first individual ISL goal. Fox guided the ball into the net with a precise header from a brilliant free-kick by Spanish midfielder Jorge Ortiz.
Chhetri's first goal of the season
Sunil Chhetri finally ended his 694-minute scoring drought as he scored the equalizer in the 61st minute. Prince Ibara sent a superb cross towards Chhetri, who hit the perfect header to level the score. Sunil Chhetri joined former FC Goa star Ferran Corominas who scored 48 goals in 57 matches.
Post-match thoughts
FC Goa, head coach Derrick Pereira, discussed the draw against Bengaluru FC. He talked about how the Covid situation has affected the team. He said, "Taking into consideration the conditions, the situations, both the teams suffering because of Covid and our last result against SC East Bengal and playing against an in-form team like Bengaluru FC, it made us bit difficult."
"The first 15 minutes were tough for us as they put us under a lot of pressure. But then we got back. We controlled the game–some part of the match. We created some chances. I think we can do much better. Yes, the 1-1 draw is a fair result," he continued.
Pereira also talked about the Gaurs' problems in the final third. He stated, "That has been our concern throughout the season. We have been struggling to score goals, although we are creating chances. But we have to improve the composure in the front of goal and also the decision making."