PANJIM: Goa registered a hard fought 2-0 victory over hosts Kerala to move into the semi-final of 35th National Games, at Corporation ground, in Kozikhode, Kerala, on Thursday.
Coach Alex Alvares made five changes to the squad, bringing in Albino Gomes, Ponif Vaz, Charles Miranda, Girish Naik, and Melwin Fernandes in place of Jason D’Mello, Amar Halankar, Perryson Rebello, Seriton Fernandes, and Pedro Gonsalves.
Knowing that only a win will enable the team to move into the semi-final, Goa began on an attacking mode right from the kick-off.
After dominating the proceedings, Goa went into the lead through a Girish Naik strike in the 25th minute off a free-kick taken by Mario Mascarenhas.
Kerala went all out for the equalizer but the Goa citadel headed by Albino Gomes in goal were strong enough to ward off their attacks.
Goa scored the insurance goal towards the fag end of the match through their prolific striker Marcus Mascarenhas.
