MAPUSA: Calangute Association SC huffed and puffed as they registered a hard fought 1-0 win over Panjim Footballers SC in the CAM Goa Professional League played at Duler stadium here on Saturday.
After this win, Calangute has 15 points from 8 matches while Panjim Footabllers stays on 8 points from 9 matches.
Calangute colts came strongly into today’s match and after three consecutive corners forged ahead in the sixth minute through Moises D’Sa who directed his header into the goal off a pinpoint cross at the far end from Melvin Lobo to give his side the lead.
Two more chances went a begging for the beachside lads when Nigel Silveira collected a pass from Saeesh Halarnkar and connected it with a stiff grounder which was collected by keeper Preston Rego. Minutes later, an error by Panjim’s stopper back Dhiraj Chouhan would you have cost Panjim their second goal but
U20 Jovito Fernandes saw his lob at the goal over the onrushing keeper go out.
Capital side had just one good attempt at the rival goal in the entire first session, where a long cross from the right flank by Doyal Alves saw unmarked substitute Valentino Carvalho connect the ball wide.
In the fourth minute, on crossing ends, Calangute once again were unlucky as Richard Cardozo header ricocheted off the crossbar off a cross from U-20 Nigel Silveira.
After some minutes of midfield tussle, both the teams came with some attacks.
After Nicklas Noronha cross was blocked by Calangute’s Moises, minutes later a ball across the goal area by Nicklas saw Doyal Alves late to connect right in front of the goal.
Calangute lads also had two chances to further increase their lead, but Dadapeer Patel and Jovito Fernandes goal bound strikes were saved by Panjim’s keeper Priston Rego.
U-20 Jovito Fernandes received the man-of-the-match award from Welvin Menezes, former GFA’s Secretary.
Meanwhile, Aivao United Football Club were held to a goalless draw against Portais Sporting Club in the second division league at Taleigao.
