Mohammedan Sporting staged a brilliant rally to hold Haywards Sporting, Goa, to a 1-1 draw in a National Football League match in Kolkata on Monday.

Down by an Abdulateef Seriki strike as early as the fifth minute, Sporting attacked with gusto and drew level late in the second half through Edeh Chidi at the Salt Lake Stadium.

Mohammedan Sporting, who enjoyed the lion's share of the proceedings, could have ended the day on a winning note but for a series of missed chances and the woodwork, which came in their way once.

Haywards's goal resulted from a fast counter-attack. Dudu Omagbemi fed Seriki with a delectable pass, and the latter fired a rasping shot from the top of the box. The ball entered the net from the left of Mohammedan Sporting custodian Gumpe Rime.

Haywards retreated into a defensive mould after the goal and brought in more men in the deep to thwart the relentless Sporting raids.

Mohammedan Sporting, who were distinctly unlucky not to have found the mark in the 75th minute when Dipendu Biswas's effort hit the bar, restored parity in the 77th minute.

Showing great presence of mind and with a sudden burst of speed, Chidhi made way between two defenders and shot home from close.

After nine matches, Haywards are on 12 points, while Mohammedan Sporting have six.