Dubai: FC Goa played out a 1-1 draw with Ajman Club with CS Sabeeth scoring the equaliser for the tourists in their overseas pre-season friendly match ahead of the second season of Indian Soccer League (ISL).
The Goans were playing this match within 24 hours of recording their famous victory against former Saudi Premier League (SPL) champions, Al Shabab.
Zico's team had a completely refreshed line-up for this game.
The hosts got off to a flawless start as they scored the opening goal in under 10 minutes. However, the Goans huffed and puffed finally finding the equaliser in the 46th minute through Sabeeth.
For FC Goa, Elinton Andrade returned to man the goal-line and Luciano Sobrosa, Keenan Almeida, Raju Gaikwad, Jonathan Lucca, Denson Devadas, Romeo Fernandes and Sabeeth were all handed an opportunity to impress.
The Goans were on the backfoot immediately as Ajman had a shot saved by Andrade in the first minute. Things got worse for FC Goa seven minutes later, as a pile-driver from over 25 yards had the better of Andrade.
Joaquim Abranches was handed another start and he nearly converted Thongkhosiem Haokip's cross in the 15th minute. The 25th minute saw Sabeeth have a crack at goal, but his header was saved by the Ajman keeper.
The first half ended with the home side in lead.
After the break, in the 46th minute, Raju Gaikwad, known for his long throw-ins, slid into the Ajman box. Sabeeth then slammed the ball past the Ajman keeper to draw level.
Luciano and Abranches both went into the book in the second half as FC Goa turned up the gas on the opposition in their search for a winner.
A couple of substitutions by Zico followed, which saw Mandar Rao Desai replace Abranches and Darryl Duffy come in for Haokip. Mandar dazzled with an effort at goal in the 69th minute but the keeper somehow parried the shot away.
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