Team Herald
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RAIA: Sesa Football Academy secured a narrow yet well-deserved 2-1 victory over Vasco Sports Club in the Goa Professional League match held at Tilak Maidan, Vasco. The winners went into the break with a slender 1-0 lead.
Sesa opened the scoring as early as the 14th minute when Vasco midfielder Samresh tripped Beckham inside the penalty area. Sesa captain Shridharnath stepped up and calmly converted the resultant spot-kick.
Vasco began the second half with renewed determination, and their efforts paid off in the 53rd minute. Reuben scored a spectacular equaliser, expertly chesting a precise cross from Monish on the edge of the box and, in one fluid motion, unleashing a perfect volley that left Sesa goalkeeper Sapam helpless.
However, Vasco’s momentum waned as they eased off, allowing Sesa to regain control of the game. Beckham, particularly dangerous on the left flank, created havoc in the Vasco defence. In the 55th minute, he came close to restoring Sesa's lead, but his delicate chip narrowly missed the target.
Sesa eventually found the breakthrough, albeit through an own goal. Vasco defender Khongsai, in an attempt to clear a cross from Olencio, inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net.
Olencio had chances to extend Sesa’s lead but squandered two golden opportunities. His first attempt—a weak shot—was easily deflected for a corner, while his second, which seemed destined for the back of the net, struck the upright.
At Nagoa panchayat ground, Sporting Clube eased past Pax of Nagoa Sports Club, 3-1.
Nagoa’s Beneston Barretto capitalised on a defensive blunder by SC Goa’s goalkeeper Siddharth Rana to hand Nagoa the lead in the 25th minute. Sporting Clube equalized on the stroke of halftime through Francisco Fernandes, who headed home after a well-executed corner routine involving Ivon Costa and Sushil.
In the second half, Sporting Clube took control. Selwyn Miranda’s pinpoint low cross found Sushil at the far post for a simple tap-in to make it 2-1. Vikram Venktachalam sealed the victory in style, dribbling past defenders and unleashing a sensational strike into the top corner.