MAPUSA: Vasco Sports Club relied on Calangute Association’s poor finishing to edge past their rivals 2-1, in Goa Football Association’s Goa Professional League, round three football match, at Duler Stadium, here, on Monday. The teams were tied 1-1 at half time.
Calangute Association took an early lead through an own-goal by Vasco’s Frehauf Fernandes but The Black and Whites bounced back through skipper Aiken Dias’ equalizer before the break. The teams were heading to a draw but a defensive error by Calangute Association in the final minutes allowed Jerose Oliveira one of the easiest finishes.
Calangute exerted pressure on their rivals with an early corner-kick and surged ahead in their next attacking move. Harshad Naik provided a dangerous low cross from the right to Gopi Gad, whose fierce right-footer was blocked by Vasco custodian Harpreet Singh. However, Harpreet made a quick reflex save of Felix Odili when the ball rebounded to the Nigerian but it was of no use as eventually, Vasco defender Frehauf Fernandes turned the ball into his own net in the fourth minute.
Vasco were left off-balance and minutes later, Felix had another go only to see his effort hit the side-netting.
The equalizer finally arrived before the half hour mark after Vasco skipper Aiken’s half volley evaded Calangute Association custodian Gerard D’Mello, who had come out of his position.
Calangute did not give up and continued to attack. Felix’s rasping effort went inches wide while Basileo Rego’s stiff grounder was thwarted by keeper Harpreet, who also denied Reagan Pereira from outside the box before the half time whistle.
Post resumption, Basileo and Felix continued to threaten but centre-back Amar Halankar was simply outstanding in Vasco’s defence.
Calangute Association enjoyed the lion’s share of ball possession and had several flag-kicks but could not capitalize. Subsequently, Felix was guilty of missing two glorious opportunities in one-to-one situations after Jayesh Chopdekar and Edberg Sequeira had done the spade work.
The teams were heading for a draw but a miscommunication by Calangute Association’s Charles Cardoz and keeper Gerard cost them dearly in the final quarter when Don Fernandes sent a cross from the left flank. Jerose sneaked in as he always does best and blasted in the empty goal for the match-winner, 2-1.
