SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2024
Team Herald
MAPUSA: Panjim Footballers stunned FC Goa with a hard fought 1-0 win in the Goa Professional League played at Duler stadium, here, on Friday.
Panjim Footballers having lost their last league match brought smiles on the faces of their few team officials and players in the stands as they scored in the 26th minute of the first session which ultimately turned out to be the match winning goal.
After almost 25 minutes of midfield tussle, a poor low collection by Young Gaurs keeper Antonio Da Silva off a cross by Vallmiky Miranda saw Prasil Kankonkar gather the loose ball and stabbed it into the empty goal to give the lead.
Ten minutes later, and Vallmiky this time tested keeper Antonio with a 30-yard stinging shot to find the keeper fling himself to his right and pair the ball to safety.
Panjim keeper Preston Rego left his charge to collect Delton Colaco through pass to U20 Vasim Inamdar while a minute later Kapil Hoble saw his header from close sail over the cross bar.
Another glorious chance went in vain for Young Gaurs in the added time where a left footer from Delton hit the upright and rebounded into play.
On crossing ends, Young Gaurs coach Deggie Cardozo brought in his triumph card Romeo Fernandes in the 54th minute to strengthen the attack.
Panjim keeper Preston once again came with a breath taking save as he thwarted Christy Davis in one-to-one situation off an intelligent through pass by U-20 Brison Fernandes.
In the 68th minute, Brison was given marching orders by referee Deep Govekar with a direct red card for punching Vallmiky thereby reducing Young Gaurs to ten men.
Capital side Vallmiky was once again unlucky to see his strike from inside the penalty box hit Anthony Fernandes for a corner.
At the other end, Young Gaurs were awarded a free-kick where Romeo Fernandes’ 25-yard strike kissed the top corner upright and went out.
It was unfortunate for Young Gaurs to see Romeo Fernandes leave the field with a hamstring injury in the 84th minute.
With six minutes of added time, Panjim Footballers almost netted there second goal but Lloyd Cardozo’s strike after collecting a short pass from Joyson Gauncar missed the target narrowly.
To further add to Young Gaurs woes, defender Brian Faria was sent off with a second booking.
