FC Goa’s Thongkhosiem Haokip had a good game against table-toppers FC Pune City in the Hero Indian Super League as the contest ended in a 1-1 draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Friday. Haokip, who was adjudged ISL Emerging Player of Match, came close to scoring in the first half but a last-ditched sliding clearance by Roger Johnson denied him. He spoke to indiansuperleague.com after the match and here are the excerpts.

Haokip, good performance today. What do you take from this match?

It was very difficult for me, but the coach told us to take it simple, take it easy. Everybody played well. We’re a little disappointed though to draw 1-1 at home today.

According to you, was 1-1 a fair result today?

Yes. FC Pune City were also good today. We should have won the game today. But a draw isn’t bad either.

How has Zico influenced yours as well as the team’s performance?

For me, everyone is like a brother. The coaching staff, the players, they love me a lot and I’m lucky to be a part of FC Goa.

How did it feel bagging the ISL Emerging Player of the Match Award today?

Yeah, it’s a good feeling winning the award. But I would have been really happy had we actually won the game today.