TEAM HERALD
MAPUSA: Panjim Footballers edged past CJ Bros, Valpoi 2-1 in the finals of GFA Third Division football play-off (north zone) at Duler Stadium, here, Wednesday. Panjim led 2-0 at half time.
Flavio Lopes GOAL!: Aahan Philips scores Panjim Footballers’ second goal against CJ Bros, Valpoi in the finals of GFA Third Division football play-off (north zone) at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, Wednesday. |
Valpoi had the first chance after Tajesh Dhuri headed towards Devraj Naik, who however, shot over the crossbar with only rival goalkeeper Rohan Viegas at his mercy.
In the next minute, Panjim took on the attack and Akeraj Martins essayed a pass to Leichobam Singh inside the box but the latter’s powerful right footer went wide.
Panjim took control of the proceedings and Jesus Estrocio came close to scoring but he was denied by the upright in the 15th minute.
At the other end, Rohan came up with two quick saves that denied Valpoi’s Abdul Khan and Mohamad Sheikh from scoring in the 20th and 23rd minutes.
Panjim kept a firm grip on the proceedings and surged ahead in the 29th minute after Jesus sent a well measured cross to Leichombam, who bulged the nylons with his powerful half volley.
The opener came as a confidence booster for Severino Fernandes’ young side that went on to double their lead in the 31st minute. Jesus did all the spadework and set up Aahan Philips, who slotted past Valpoi goalkeeper Avaiz Khan.
In the 41st minute, Panjim’s Shawyn Fernandes was booked by referee Sainath Haldankar for his challenge on Abdul.
In the second session, Valpoi started brightly to get back into the match as Mohamad dribbled past Panjim defender Madhu Mandrekar inside the danzer zone but Mohamad’s shot hit the crossbar.
Four minutes later, Mohamad missed another chance as his shot was blocked by Rohan from close range.
In the 75th minute, Panjim were down to 10-man after Shawyn pulled Abdul’s jersey inside the box and picked up his second yellow to be sent off by the referee who awarded a penalty in Valpoi’s favour. Abdul kept his cool and sent Rohan the wrong way to pull one back.
In the dying minutes, Valpoi came close to level the score but were unlucky after Abdul’s shots in the 83rd and 86th minutes hit the crossbar.
Valpoi missed the services of their prolific striker Mansoor Khan who is on loan for Nagoa Sports Club in the Second Division league which commenced even though the Third Division league is still in progress.
