Team Herald
LUDHIANA: Goa began their campaign in the National Football Championship for Hero Santosh Trophy 2018-19 with a 1-1 draw against Services in their Group A match played at Ludhiana, on Monday.
“The boys gave their best and since it was the first game of the final round, I think one point isn’t bad. We managed to open our account. The players gave their best and I think they should perform even better in their next matches,” said Goa coach Samir Naik.
Goa had a tough fixture in their opening encounter as the first 45 minutes witnessed end to end football as neither sides were able to break the deadlock.
However, post resumption, Goa finally managed to break the strong Services back line when Joaquim Abranches played a defence splitting pass to Lalawmpuia who showed his composure infront of the goal to put them ahead.
However, the joy was short-lived as Services came with instant answer as they levelled soon within three minutes to make it 1-1.
In the final quarter of the game, Goa had a good chance to surge ahead but Joaquim Abranches’ volley just sailed over the bar.
“It was a brilliant effort. He connected his kick well but he didn’t have luck today. Over all Joaquim played a good game,” added Goa coach while speaking about the team’s leading goal scorer. Goa didn’t have much chances but there encountered series of Services raids and Tyson Caiado was exceptional for Goa pulling off two brilliant saves to keep Goa in the game.
“Tyson was outstanding for us. He saved us the day. But overall I would say every player played their part,” added Naik.
Goa will play Delhi next on April 12.
