Team Herald
PANJIM: FC Goa were unable to come away with a victory against FC Cartagena as the Spanish outfit ran out 4-1 winners in their first pre-season friendly at the La Manga Club in Murcia, Spain, on Friday.
The Gaurs got off to a bad start as they conceded two goals within the first 13 minutes after defensive lapses. Cartagena striker Kuki Zalazar was quick to pounce and put his side ahead seconds after kick off and Cristo was on hand to double the lead.
Brandon was replaced by Mandar Rao Dessai early on after he picked up a minor knock.
Thereafter, Sergio Lobera’s men settled down and looked for a way back into the game and they were rewarded with their persistence after a good team move saw Arana slip a lofted through ball to Colunga who promptly put the ball in the back of the net to bring the Gaurs back into contention. Seriton was the first player to go into the referee’s book for a tackle in an attempt to win possession back.
With Sergio Lobera’s men looking to push forward, they were caught out in defence as Zalazar scored his second of the evening. Three minutes later, the Gaurs were 4-1 down with Poley beating the defence to net Cartagena’s fourth goal with the referee calling time not long after.
The Gaurs put on a much improved second half performance as they tried to salvage something from the encounter. Sergio Juste, Ali and Liston looked sharp in their first match for the club, with Pratesh impressing as well.
The Gaurs will take on Real Murcia B in what promises to be an exciting encounter on Monday.
