MAPUSA: FC Bardez Goa team was officially launched by the chief guest MLA Aldona constituency Glen Souza Ticlo, the team will play in the GFA’s Professional League for 2016-2017, at Duler Stadium, here on Sunday.
The function commenced by the dance troupe Mesmerizers, who danced to the tunes of the theme song released by FC Bardez, which was later followed by Carlos Gonsalves Goa’s famous drummer giving his solo. DJ Roland from Dubai kept the crowd entertained with some fine music.
The players were introduced and welcomed by the crowd, the team consists of Peter Carvalho (captain), Rowilson Rodrigues, Mathew Gonsalves, Jessel Carneiro, Joy Ferrao, Leston Afonso, Richard D’Costa, Guirish Naik, Shubham Rao Dessai, Latesh Mandrekar, Saviour Gama, Kritikesh Sadekar, Jesmon Soares, Anslem Furtardo, Cavin Soares, Ashley Cardozo, Serino Fernandes, Climax Lawrence, former India team captain, Santosh Pujary(GK), Augustine D’Mello, Chandrakant Naik – goalkeeper coach, Jason Fernandes and former head coach of Indian National team Armando Colaco (team coach).
In the exhibition match played on the occasion wherein FC Bardez settled for a 1-1 against Corps of Signals.
Corps took the lead in the 11th minute of play when Nakul Singh got hold of a miss pass by FC Bardez’s Girish Naik and sent a low cross to Pawan Thakur who fired the ball home, 1-0.
Corps could have doubled their lead four minutes later however Nokul Singh’s powerful half- volley missed the target narrowly.
After some midfield action FC Bardez managed to restore parity when Shubham Dessai was brought down inside the danger zone by Corps’ Raj Singh, prompting referee Sunil Nanodkar to point to the dreaded spot.
Skipper Peter Carvalho who stepped forward made no mistake in scoring, 1-1.
In the 27th minute of play Corps were reduced to 10 men after Kuldeep Kumar was sent off with a double yellow card.
In the closing stages of first half Corps almost shot back into the lead however Nokul Singh failed to score from close range, with the keeper beaten.
Crossing over, both the teams tried hard but failed to forge ahead, finishing off the match at 1-1.
Chairman FC Bardez Robert Lemos welcomed the gathering, while Savio Roy D’Souza Director and co- owner FC BArdez in his vote of thanks thanked GFA for giving them entry in the professional league through a special window opened. Xavier Fernandes compered the function.
Also present for the function were were GFA President Elvis Gomes, GFA Vice President Lavio Rebello, GFA’s Executive members Patrick D’Souza, Adv Domnic Rodrigues and Raju Banaulikar.
