MAPUSA: Ten-man FC Goa played their hearts out to score two late goals and hold Panjim Footballers to a 2-2 draw in the Goa professional league match, played at Duler Stadium, on Wednesday.
FC Goa, having won their last league match trouncing Velsao SCC 5-1 came into the match with their heads held high but saw their opponents march into the breather with a one goal cushion from Panjim’s Llyod Cardozo’s goal.
At the other end, Panjim Footballers having lost against I-League side Churchill Brothers saw coach Shekar Kerkar bring five changes in the starting XI by playing Xavier Rebello, Vallmiky Miranda, Akash Sanadi, Lloyd Cardozo and Krishna Gawas. Nothing much transcribed in the first 30 minutes of the first session, with the keepers having a field day.
The Young Gaurs were the first to have a clear dangerous attempt at the rival goal in the 31st minute but a fierce shot by U-20 Sweden Fernandes was pushed for a corner by keeper Preston Rego. It was Panjim Footballers who stunned their opponents just two minutes later when Lloyd Cardozo collecting a ball from his medfielder slotted the ball into the goal past keeper, Dylan Da Silva to open the score line.
In the last ten minutes before the breather the Panjim side almost netted their second goal in the 38th minute when Vallmiky’s attempted an incisive through ball into the box to his teammate Lloyd which was cut short by keeper Dylan. Minutes later, a curling corner by Akash Sanadi saw Kunal Kundaikar tap the ball travel out.
On resumption of play, Panjim Footballers carried on their onslaught and after a number of missed chances doubled their lead. In the 49th minute Vallmiky’s strike went just over the Young Gaurs’ goal post and minutes later Panjim’s Vallmiky played the ball towards Lloyd whose rasping right footed strike was saved by Dylan.
In the 63rd minute, Panjim’s Prasil Kankonkar chipped the ball into the path of Lloyd who missed the target narrowly. Finally in the 71st minute Panjim further extended their lead, where Lloyd raced upfront on the right flank and crossed the ball at the goal which deflected off of the leg of Ivon Costa. Young Gaurs were reduced to ten men in the 77th minute, with the sending off of Serineo Fernandes for a second offence.
Young Gaurs came with a spirited fight back in the last ten minutes before the end of the regulation time. Substitute Aaren D Silva received the ball from his midfielder and slotted it past Preston to get a goal back for the young Gaurs. Hayden was instrumental in getting the equaliser, as his delivery to Kapil in the box was poorly dealt by the Panjim keeper, the defensive lapse between the keeper and defender in the 85th minute saw Young Gaurs level terms, with Kapil Hoble scoring the equaliser.
