MONDAY, MAY 06, 2024
Team Herald
MAPUSA: Candolim Sports Club fought gallantly to hold strong contenders Albert Developers SC to a 2-2 draw, in the GFA’s First Division play-off held a Duler stadium, here, on Wednesday.
Though the match was equally contested, it was Albert Developers that took the lead in the 15th minute where a scorching right footer from U-21 Cyden Saldanha hit the inner position of the horizontal bar and entered the goal, 1-0.
At the other end, Candolim had three golden opportunities to level terms but Sanket Jotkar saw two of his strikes being blocked by Albert Developers custodian Vikrant Sharma, while Safiq Ali saw his shot travel skywards from outside the penalty box.
On crossing ends, Albert Developers time and again failed to score with Saidatt Hanjunkar and Velroy Cardoz missing open sitters.
In the 55th minute, Candolim’s Nikhil Naik handled the ball inside the penalty box where referee Jan Rodrigues without any hesitation pointed to the dreaded spot. However Albert Developers Shanker Gaunder failed to score from the penalty spot.
Just five minutes later, Candolim’s substitute Arvind Chillavar darted inside the penalty box and dribbled past the onrushing rival keeper to score 1-1.
Two more chances went a begging for Candolim colts with Aryan Salunke and Sanket Jotkar’s attempts were brilliantly saved by Albert Developers goalkeeper Vikrant.
As the match progressed this time Albert Developers U-21 Nigel Gomes missed two chances from close quarters.
Finally in the 85th minute, Albert Developers once again took the lead through a strong header from Vilroy Cardoz which brushed rival custodian gloves and entered the goal, 2-1.
When it looked it was curtains down for Candolim unit Devendra Pednekar scored the precious equalizer to send their large supporters into ruptures, 2-2.
