Team Herald
MAPUSA: A 94th minute strike by Beneston Baretto enabled holders Dempo SC to hold FC Goa to a 1-1 draw in the Goa Professional Football League at Duler stadium, here on Tuesday.
F C Goa’s Lalremruata HP and Vasim Inamdar failed to keep their strikes on target from close quarters early in the match while at the other end Dempo’s Jason Vaz grounder from outside the penalty box was collected by goalkeeper Hansel Coelho. Minutes later, Shallum Pires saw his well executed free kick sailing over FC Goa’s crossbar.
As the match progressed, FC Goa kept on attacking but failed to break the deadlock. It was in the 25th minute that Vasim Inamdar got hold of the ball just near the centre. He sprinted down but on entering the 18-yard box shot wide.
Dempo’s Jason and Sarineo moved dangerously inside the rival territory but were tackled by FC Goa’s stopper backs skipper Lesly Rebello and Leewan Castanha.
In the closing stages of the first session the goalkeepers came to their teams’ rescue with FC Goa goalkeeper Hansel Coelho thwarting Under-20 Laximanrao Rane while Dempo’s custodian Antonio Da Silva brilliantly tipped Leewan Castanha’s smart header over.
On crossing over, after much probing, F C Goa opened their account in the 58th minute. Vasim Inamdar let go a hot-blooded shot from just outside the 6-yard box which beat advancing Dempo’s goalkeeper Antonio. The ball rolled to unmarked Malsawmtluanga who coolly guided the ball into the empty goal.
Dempo had a golden opportunity to level terms in the 70th minute when a strong header by substitute Beneston Barretto off Ronaldo Olivera’s corner was punched over by goalkeeper Hansel Coelho.
When it looked as if F C Goa were on their way to collect three points, Dempo’s substitute Beneston Barretto saw his 25-yard scorching grounder crashing into the far corner of the goal for the equaliser.
FC Goa’s Lalremruata HP won the player-of-the match award.
