NorthEast United FC inflicts shock defeat upon FC Goa to shake up ISL points table

FC Goa fell to its second straight loss as NorthEast United FC beat them by 2-0 to kick off the Matchweek 16 action of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 at the Fatorda Stadium tonight.

A 69th minute opener Tomi Juric was followed by a set-piece situation 11 minutes later where Nestor Albiach headed in a corner that took a deflection off FC Goa defender Odei Onaindia to result into an own goal to double their lead.

The Gaurs and their 12-game-long unbeaten streak was snapped by the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the same venue last week. They must have hoped to bounce back against a Highlanders unit that has endured middling success so far in the campaign. However, Juan Pedro Benali & Co. struck back strongly from their 4-2 loss to the Mariners previous weekend with a clinical performance that saw them keep a clean sheet tonight.

NorthEast United FC has been given a boost since striker Tomi Juric joined them in January, and the forward scored his fifth goal in four matches with a spot-kick that he converted with ease. Juric boasts of a tall frame, but he was fleet footed enough to smartly earn a foul off Seriton Fernandes as the game was about to enter its final 20 minutes.