AGENCIES, MIZORAM: Goa played out an enthralling 2-2 draw against Mizoram in the Sub Junior National Football Championship, organised by All India Football Federation, played in Arunachal Pradesh, on Monday.
Team Goa started on a slow pace and Mizoram took advantage of the game plan and pressed Goa in their own territory and managed to score their first in the opening quarter.
However, Goa’s Dwayne Neto and Aryan Salunke were brilliant in the Goan midfield and the duo combined for the equaliser. Dwayne Neto on receiving the ball from the defence covered some distance and played a through pass to Aryan Salunke, who made no mistake to score past the Mizoram keeper. The teams were tied 1-1 at the break.
In the second half, Goa commanded the play as they played short passes keeping more of the ball. The dominance turned into the lead at the hour mark when Tahir Shaikh scored with a clinical finish and it was Dwayne Neto once again with an assist.
Goa suffered a set-back when they conceded late in the game. Mizoram scored an 85th minute equaliser after scoring from a corner kick which deflected off a Goan defender. Goa had two penalty claims in the 88th and 90th minutes which were turned down by the referee.
“We played a very good game but I’m dejected with the fact that we were robbed off three points. The referee turned down two clear cut penalties. But now I shall concentrate on the next game against Telangana,” said Coach Ajay Acharya.
