PANJIM: In a thrilling encounter, Salgaocar Football Club put on a terrific second half display to overturn a one goal deficit and secure three points by defeating Dempo SC 2-1, in AIFF”s Under-19 I-League opener, on Sunday.
The Greens started the match on a positive note and almost broke the deadlock in the fifth minute when a shot from Naro Hari beat an advancing Alison Fernandes in the Dempo goal but unfortunately the bale rolled agonisingly wide of the keeper’s left upright.
Post resumption, Dempo broke the deadlock in the 49th minute. A harmless long ball played from the back resulted in a terrible mix-up between defender Constancio Rodrigues and goalkeeper Chinmaya Behera, allowing the Dempo captain Aaron Rodrigues to steal the ball and calmly slot home.
The goal however seemed to spur the Salgaocar lads as it was wave after wave of attack thereafter by the Green Brigade. Goalkeeper Alison Fernandes came to his side’s rescue time and again, on one particular occasion affecting a brilliant double save at the hour mark.
In the 69th minute another fine save by the keeper had resulted in a corner. From the ensuing corner, a brilliant header from Naro Hari, who kept winning aerial balls all through the match, dipped into the top right corner, thereby levelling the scores, 1-1.
Spurred on by the goal, The Greens attacked with even more intent but it was the introduction of talented 16-year old Liston Colaco in the 80th minute that proved to be decisive.
After creating a few smart chances and having a crack at goal after his introduction, he went on to win a 50-50 ball near the centre line in the 89th minute. He darted down the right flank and whipped in a teasing cross along the carpet for Denil Rebello who was steaming in to meet at the far post and slot across the keeper’s left to send his team mates and coaching staff into euphoria.
