MAPUSA: FC Goa came down from a goal down to hold under dogs Velsao SCC by 1-1 draw in the Goa Professional League, at Duler stadium, here, on Monday.
FC Goa went into the breather with a goal down, as Velsao’s K. Vinoth made the best of a defensive error by defender Lesly Rebello, then moved inside the penalty box and beat the onrushing keeper Hrithik Tiwari with a neat placement 1-0.
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Young Gaurs did have better of the exchanges in the entire match, but Velsao’s last line of defense marshalled by skipper Ronaldo Pereira and Sunny Kumar gave very little space for U20 Mevan Dias and Muhammad Valiyattil to operate.
Velroy Fernandes shot and Muhammad Valiyattil header sailed inches past Velsao’s goal.
Velsao did have a chance to double their lead in the 35th minute but U20 Climax Fernandes weak shot off U20 Shario Gomes pass was collected by keeper Hrithik Tiwari.
On crossing ends, Young Gaurs coach Deggie Cardozo brought in Vasim Inamdar to strengthen the attack and it paid dividend.
In the 52nd minute Muhammad set up substitute Vasim Inamdar right inside the 6-yard box to find the latter sneak the ball into the goal 1-1.
It was Young Gaurs who were in command, coming with series of attacks but the Velsao’s defenders and the keeper held their fort tillthe final hooter.
Two 25-yard strikes by Muhammad and Vasim was confidently collected by keeper Arnab Sharma while Vasim’s open header off a pinpoint cross at the far end by Deeshank Kunkalikar travelled skywards.
As the match progressed, Young Gaurs had two more close attempts at the rival goal. In the 77th minute Delton Colaco darted inside the penalty box but failed to beat the onrushing Velsao’s keeper Arnab Sharma.
Arnab Sharma was back in action in the 85th minute as he swayed the ball for a corner off a stinging shot by U20 Rayan Menezes.
Muhammad Valiyattil received the man-of-the-match award from Cosme Oliveira- GFA’s Executive Comitteee member.
