PANJIM: Churchill Brothers Sports Club and Sesa Football Academy played out a 1-1 draw in the Selvel Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Sunday.
While it was Sesa FA who broke the deadlock in the 17th minute through Sandeep S, Churchill Brothers SC had to rely on a penalty to get the equaliser which was scored by Saurav Mandal.
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The Red Machines came close to scoring in the third minute when Quan Gomes got a freekick outside the box, however, the midfielder failed to keep his effort low and on target.
At the other end, Sesa FA, who have been impressive this season should have been up by a goal in the ninth minute when Ashley’s long ball found Myran Pereira in the area, but the latter failed to control his effort, having just the keeper at his mercy.
It didn’t take long for coach Charles Dias’ side to take the lead as in the 17th minute, the team scored from a set-piece. Omkar’s corner was smartly met by Sandeep S, who tapped it past the Churchill Brothers keeper.
Down by a goal, the Red Machines were unlucky not to get a penalty when Sesa FA defender looked to have handled Pushkar’s shot.
Churchill continued to press and came once again close when Kamran sent in a cross which was met by Saurav, but his header went off target.
The breakthrough finally arrived for Churchill Brothers and this time they were awarded a penalty. Sesa FA player once again handled the ball inside the box, which was caught by the referee and pointed straight to the spot. Saurav coolly converted to restore parity.
In the second half, there wasn’t much action as the play was restricted to midfield. Neither side showed any urgench to show. But it was the last quarter of the games, which saw a series of raids. Saurav missed a header as it sailed over the bar and then later Schubert Pereira’s brilliant effort was blocked by Sesa FA custodian.
Sesa FA keeper Roanal Gaonkar was brilliant for his side as he denied Saurav once again late in the game.
Sesa FA had the chance to seal the game when M Faheez played a long pass to Kunal Salgaonkar, who just had Churchill Bros keeper but the former shot straight to the custodian.
