In a thrilling showdown at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Fatorda ground, Goa and Punjab battled to a 1-1 draw during the 37th National Games.
The match kicked off with Goa dominating possession in the first six minutes, spearheaded by Umang Gaikwad, the defender for Goa. Clencio Pinto made some daring forays into Punjab’s territory, but Punjab’s formidable defence, led by Harmanjit Singh, Sangamdeep Singh, Kishori, and Jang Bahadur Singh, held their ground. In the 14th minute, Abhishek Rattu, Punjab’s striker, unleashed a powerful shot, which was expertly cleared by Rezvon Fernandes, a defender for Goa.
Goa had a golden opportunity when Meevan Shawn Dias, a midfielder for Goa, delivered a thunderous shot in the 43rd minute, only for Harpreet Singh, Punjab’s goalkeeper, to make a crucial save.
The match’s first goal came in the 45+3 minutes when Gurmeet Chand, Punjab’s midfielder, headed the ball into the net following a cross from Parmjit Singh. It was a moment of pure skill and precision.
Goa had a chance to level the score when Shridarnath Dyaneshwar Gawas, the midfielder for Goa, took a powerful free-kick in the 53rd minute. However, Punjab’s goalkeeper, Harpreet Singh, made a remarkable save, denying what seemed like a certain goal.
The equalizer finally came in the 60th minute, thanks to a well-executed penalty kick by substitute Joshua DSilva, the striker for Goa.
The action remained intense, with Joshua DSilva attempting a downward header in the 71st minute, only to be thwarted by Punjab’s defender, Harmanjit Singh. Prachit Gaonkar, a midfielder for Goa, had a brilliant opportunity in the 90th minute, but Punjab’s goalkeeper made an extraordinary save to preserve the draw.
The match between Goa and Punjab was a true showcase of skill, determination, and thrilling football action, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Both teams displayed remarkable resilience and talent, making it a match to remember in the 37th National Games.
