DULER: FIFA U-17 World Cup surely made an impact on the Goan spectators which was clearly visible on the stands at the Duler Stadium, Mapusa as Dempo SC and Goan FC played out a drab draw in the GFA’s U-20 TACA Goa match on Monday.
A few hundreds spectators that came to watch the match, returned home disappointed as the match was mostly restricted to midfield play. It was a great disappoint for them after witnessing the FIFA U-17 matches at Fatorda, which has raised the bar for the level of football in Goa.
In the 90 minutes of duel both the keepers Antonio DaSilva (Goan FC) and Flexbern Souza (Dempo), who are Goa Professional league players, took the field but were hardly tested by the strikers of both the teams.
After a listless first session it was in the second half the teams did come close in opening their account.
In the 50th minute Dempo’s Larryl Mascarenhas getting hold to a pass moved upfront on the right flank and tried to find Baggio Fernandes inside the penalty box but keeper Antonio DaSilva came with a fine collection.
Minutes later, Boris DeMello managed to get past his marker Goan defender Lalnunsiama and latched a right footer from top of the penalty box which travelled off the mark.
Goan outfit did try to build up their attack where in the 65th minute Sweden Fernandes sent a cross to Akash Sanadi but Dempo keeper Flexbern Souza thwarted the move.
As the match progressed, a 25-yard low shot from Dempo’s Briyon Dias was pushed for a corner by keeper Antonio,
The best chance to collect full points went in vain for the Goan outfit when Sweden Fernandes’ strike at the goal from close was blocked by Dempo’s Pristo Dias.
The end result seemed suited for both the teams who opened their campaign in the TACA Goa with a point each.
