TEAM HERALD
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MARGAO: A 10-man Guardian Angel Sports Club, Curchorem made their way into the final of GFA Third Division League play-off when they edged past Quelossim Sports Club 3-2 at Curtorim ground, Saturday. Guardian Angel trailed 0-1 at half time.
The match played at a brisk pace, turned out to be an even contest in the first half. Quelossim took control in the initial period and surged ahead when their captain Camilo Xavier’s snap shot beat the rival goalkeeper Jovial Coutinho hands down in the 22nd minute.
Stung by the setback, Guardian Angel tried their best to come back into the game and conducted a couple of raids but failed to restore parity.
Quelossim had a couple of opportunities but their forwards fumbled at crucial moments with only the rival goalkeeper at their mercy.
Guardian Angel suffered a jolt in the 29th minute when Pregrio Lima was flashed the red card by referee Seby Moraes after receiving his second yellow card.
Midway in the first half, Quelossim’s Ambrose Souza suffered a cut on his forehead due to a collision with a rival player.
Post resumption, Guardian Angel started on an attacking note and created numerous forays. They restored parity in the 50th minute when Jolson Baretto slotted past the rival goalkeeper off a through pass from Vishal Fernandes.
Stunned by the equalizer, Quelossim conducted numerous raids and six minutes later, took the lead yet when Morgam Figueiredo’s shot bulged the net.
Guardian Angel did not give up and neutralized the lead when Vishal Fernandes punished the Quelossim goalkeeper Lincoln Fernandes with a clinical finish off a Jaison pass in the 60th minute.
With the match heading towards a draw, Ashward Fernandes struck the match-winner when he sped down rival defender and punted the ball in.
Quelossim piled on the pressure and created some decent chances but substitute Avito Xavier blew away easy sitters.
