Depleted Atlético de Kolkata could only manage a goalless draw at home to visiting FC Goa in the first leg of the second semi-final of the Hero Indian Super League played at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday night. Kolkata’s defensive midfielder Ofentse Nato started in the heart of defence today for the hosts in place of injured Arnab Mondal, and did admirably well to keep Goa’s attack at bay alongside regular stopper back Josemi.The wiry Botswana international’s work rate, whether in defence or midfield, is second to none, and the performance earned Nato the Amul fittest player of the match award. In an exclusive interview with indiansuperleague.com after the match, Nato expressed satisfaction at his team’s performance and said he was looking forward to the reverse fixture in a few days’ time.What are your thoughts on the draw today? I think we played very well today even though we didn’t score a goal. We’re looking forward to the away match because if you look at our away record, we manage to get away with a goal at least. So hopefully, we will get the one goal or two goals, and then we’re through."We’ve been on top of the table for almost the whole season, so we can’t afford any slip ups now."Ofentse NatoYou weren’t able to score on your home ground. Do you see this as a setback, or is it a positive, as you played with a second string and yet managed a draw?Yes, injuries are a concern, but it’s not like we’re playing with a second string team. Everyone deserves to play and everyone is ready to play, but the problem I think has got to be with the ground.Do you think getting your injured players back in the next game will serve as a boost?For sure, it will be an extra boost, because they’re our best players, so we’re waiting for them to come back.You played in the central defence today, what do you think of your performance?Well, it’s not the first time I’ve played in that position. In South Africa, I’ve played 20 matches as a defender, so it’s not a surprise for me. I can’t judge myself, there are people who will judge me. The coach will analyse the game and will tell me how I performed.How confident are you about going through to the final?I think the result today has boosted our confidence and we’re looking forward to the second leg and giving our best because we’re almost there. We’ve been on top of the table for almost the whole season, so we can’t afford any slip ups now.
