Team Herald
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
MAPUSA: FC Goa returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Geno FC in the Goa Professional Super League, at Duler stadium, on Wednesday.
The first half saw high-paced action, with both teams launching threatening attacks on each other’s goal.
Geno FC, who entered the match with 29 points, took the lead in the 19th minute through a stunning 30-yard strike from midfielder Niraj Parekh, which crashed into the far corner of the net, making it 1-0.
However, FC Goa, also known as the Young Gaurs, who started the game with 27 points, equalised in the very next minute. Lalthangliana converted from the penalty spot after Geno FC’s captain Lenstan Afonso brought down Akash Oraow inside the box, making it 1-1.
Earlier in the 4th minute, Geno FC striker Chaitan Komarpant latched onto a perfect cross from Niraj Parekh and unleashed a powerful shot, but Young Gaurs’ goalkeeper Lionel Rymmei collected it comfortably.
At the other end, Shaikh Ismail raced down the right flank, evading a defender before firing a low shot at goal, which was parried away for a corner by Geno’s goalkeeper Savio Pereira.
Towards the end of the first half, Prachit Gaonkar unleashed a thunderous strike, which was again parried by goalkeeper Savio Pereira. Meanwhile, at the other end, Saideep Tate failed to connect with a close-range cross from Prajat Naik.
In added time, Akash Oraow’s powerful strike hit the crossbar, denying the Young Gaurs the lead before the break.
Just 50 seconds into the second half, the Young Gaurs surged ahead. A well-executed free-kick by Malsawmtluanga saw defender Sitroy Carvalho rise above Geno’s defenders to head the ball past the standing goalkeeper Savio Pereira, making it 2-1.
FC Goa extended their lead when Malsawmtluanga capitalised on Lalthangliana’s spadework, slotting home to make it 3-1.
However, Geno FC fought back, with striker Chaitan Komarpant reducing the deficit in the second half. He latched onto a through pass from substitute Abelson Jachi before calmly finishing past the goalkeeper to make it 3-2.
In the 82nd minute, FC Goa nearly sealed the win with a stunning 30-yard strike by U-21 player Bryson Pereira, but custodian Savio Pereira pulled off a stylish save to keep his side in the contest.
Despite Geno’s late surge, the Young Gaurs held on to secure the 3-2 victory.
