Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
MAPUSA: Calangute Association secured a 2-1 victory over Guardian Angel SC in a Goa Professional League match, held at Duler Stadium, here, on Sunday.
The Calangute side dominated the first session and went into the break with a 1-0 advantage. Early in the third minute, Calangute had a golden opportunity to take the lead when a long ball from Kenrick Menezes reached Jovito Fernandes. However, Fernandes was unable to beat the onrushing Guardian Angel goalkeeper, Oswin Rodrigues.
The following thirty minutes saw the game confined mostly to the midfield. Finally, in the 33rd minute, Calangute broke the deadlock. Dominic delivered a precise through ball to Pandurang, who set up Vishesh Nasnodkar to slam the ball into the net, giving Calangute a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Calangute extended their advantage in the 69th minute. A long ball from substitute Aman Sawant was well-controlled and expertly finished by substitute Richard Cardozo, making it 2-0.
Guardian Angel SC regrouped in the final quarter of the match and nearly reduced the deficit. Gilbert Oliveira played a short pass to Cyril Dias, who found an unmarked substitute, Joywin Costa. Costa unleashed a powerful strike, but Calangute’s captain, Melvin Lobo, blocked the attempt with a crucial intervention.
However, Guardian Angel managed to pull one back in the 75th minute. Clifton Rebello sent a curling shot into the box, which was chested by Calangute defender Melvin Lobo. Unfortunately for Lobo, the ball rolled into the goal, bringing the score to 2-1.
Despite the late scare, Calangute held firm to secure the win and claim three valuable points.
