Team Herald
[email protected]
MAPUSA: FC Goa secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Calangute Association in the Goa Professional League match played at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Tuesday.
Shawn Fernandes and Jovial Dias scored for the winners. The Gaurs’ breakthrough came from a well-worked corner. Jovial played it short to Bryson Pereira who drove into the box before cutting a low ball to the near post.
Shawn’s first-time strike was parried by the Calangute Association goalkeeper, but he was quick to react and tucked in the rebound to open the scoring.
FC Goa doubled their advantage later in the match when Ismail Shaikh powered down the right flank and delivered a precise cross for Jovial.
The midfielder controlled it expertly before unleashing a fierce shot past the goalkeeper to seal the victory.
Calangute Association had early opportunities to come on equal terms. Rabi Pun fouled Wesley D’Sa on the edge of the box, allowing Bryson a free-kick that rattled the woodwork. The rebound fell to Malsawmtluanga, whose low cross found Asher Rodrigues, but he could only stretch and miss by inches. The visitors also threatened on the break, with Sidharth Kundaikar and Arun Naik creating chances, but FC Goa’s defence held firm.
In the second half, Calangute Association pushed forward, introducing Chandrakant Shirodkar, who tested the goalkeeper from a distance, but the Gaurs absorbed the pressure and struck on the counter.
Shaikh Ismail’s cross found Jovial once again, who finished clinically to wrap up a convincing win for FC Goa.
