Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
MAPUSA: Guardian Angel Sports Club shocked FC Goa with a hard fought 2-1 win in the GFA’s Professional league played at Duler stadium, here, on Friday.
Friday’s loss dealt a severe blow to FC Goa title aspirations as they remain on 27 points from 16 matches while Guardian Angel have 23 points from 19 matches.
Guardian Angel got both the goals in the first half through Ghanian Bamba Musah Moctar(11th minute) and Beneston Barretto (47th minute) while Lalawmpia scored for FC Goa in the second half.
It seemed from the kick-off, FC Goa had failed to turn up for the match as they lacked cohesiveness in their attack and defense and were punished by Guardian Angel who took the lead in the 11th minute.
Gilbert Oliveira`s perfect corner kick delivered into the box saw Ghanian Bamba Musah rise high over the Young Gaurs defenders and send a towering header into the net to give his side the lead.
FC Goa found it difficult to get back in the match as their livewire Lalawmpia movements were closely monitored by stopper backs Benzu Clemente and William Niasso who were outstanding for Guardian Angel.
Guardian Angel made it even difficult when they scored the second goal in the 41st minute which was an absolute screamer from Beneston Barretto when his curling shot crashed into the net leaving no chance to keeper Antonio Da Silva to make it 2-0.
FC Goa had a great chance of pulling a goal back in the 45th minute but Princeton Rebello’s powerful 35-yard shot saw keeper Pratheesh Veettil bring up a brilliant acrobatic save.
With their strikers drawing blanks upfront, Young Gaurs goalkeeping coach Sugitesh Mandrekar in the absence of head coach Derrick Pereira introduced Christy Davis from the bench for Kingslee Fernandes who failed to make any impact.
In the 48th minute keeper, Pratheesh Veettil showing great awareness left his charge in the nick of time to stop Young Gaur Kapil Hoble from firing the ball into the nets from close range.
Young Gaurs kept probing and succeeded in reducing the deficit in the 71st minute through a free-kick which was awarded by referee Sunil Nanodkar for a foul on Lalawmpia by keeper Pratheesh. Lalawmpia who took the responsibility beautifully curled the ball into the top corner leaving no chance to the keeper to make it 2-1.
Angel’s were reduced to ten men in the 88th minute when Bamba Musah was flashed a direct red card by referee Sunil Nanodkar for using abusive language.
FC Goa had still time to salvage a point in the closing minutes but Sarineo Fernandes and Kapil Hoble well drilled shots were kept out for a corner by keeper Pratheesh who stood like a brick wall to give a well-deserved there points to his team.
Meanwhile at Rosary ground, Calangute Association ended Velsao Sports and Cultural Club’s four-match unbeaten run following their solitary goal win.
First half substitute Alesh Sawant scored the only goal of the game in the 44th minute.
