TEAM HERALD
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MAPUSA: Goa went down fighting to Mizoram 1-4 in their opening match of 48th Junior National Football Championship for Dr. B.C. Roy Trophy at Siliguri, West Bengal, Thursday. The match was goalless at the break.
“Since we arrived it has been extremely cold and today was unfortunately even much more, which made it very difficult for our boys as our opponents were a lot more accustomed to the condition. They also played extremely well,” remarked Goa coach Baptist Fernandes.
Goa started with Mohammed Rihan Mujawar in the goal, while Godfrey Mascarenhas, Myran Pereira, Constancio Rodrigues and Elvis Barretto made up the back four.
Daryl Endro and Bipin Mallick played in the centre of midfield, supported by Nery Alfonso and Jesus De Souza on the flanks. Mauvin Borges partnered Aahan Philips upfront.
Goa managed to hold their tricky opponents till half time, but in the second session Mizoram stepped up a gear and were rewarded in the 53rd minute when Mizoram took the lead through a penalty.
It did not take long for Goa to draw level as captain Mauvin Borges led by example as he curled in a free kick in the 61st minute.
Two minutes later, Mizoram regained the lead after some good build-up play and moments later they took advantage of a defensive lapse in the Goa defence to race 3-1 ahead.
Goa made substitutions during the course of the second half to increase their fortunes in front of goal. Jaison Vaz came on to replace Jesus on the left wing, Sahil Tavora came on for Bipin in the centre and striker Aahan made way for Mathew Abel.
In the final ten minutes Mizoram added further pain to Goa’s misery by netting the fourth.
Goa will now face Orissa on Saturday and their final group game is against Uttarakhand on Monday.
