TEAM HERALD
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MARGAO : Nagoa Sports Club, Nagoa-Arpora, were crowned GFA Second Division champions after they drew with Raia Sporting Club 2-2 in the play-off final at Cansualim complex, Monday. Nagoa were leading 2-1 at half time.
Needing just a draw to qualify for the First Division, Nagoa played with great purpose and were the most aggressive of the two. They went ahead in the 21st minute when striker Shaikh Ali bulged the net and thereafter intensified their forays with well-orchestrated raids.
Raia had to earn full points to earn the qualification. They work hard and enjoyed better share of the exchanges. They succeeded in equalizing in the 22nd minute when their captain, hardworking midfielder Danny Dias slotted past the rival goalkeeper with a rasping drive.
The teams went all out for the match-winner and Nagoa regained the lead in the injury time of the first half as Savio Pereira converted the spot kick after a rival defender handled the ball inside the penalty box.
Raia suffered a setback when striker Jenifier Clemente received the second yellow card and they were reduced to ten men.
Nagoa however, could not make use of the numerical advantage and Raia, who were eyeing a victory went all out and managed to restore parity in the 88th minute when Nagoa goalkeeper Razak was red carded by referee Seby Moraes as he brought down a rival attacker and received his second yellow. Off the resultant spot kick, Danny Dias made no mistake in sending the rival goalkeepr on the wrong way. There were loud protests from the Nagoa palyers but better sense prevailed in the end.
Sangolda Lightning Club drubbed United Club Telaulim 6-1 at Duler. Yogesh Mayekar (3), Chandan Govenkar, Suraj Kauthankar, Noel Viegas scored for Sangolda. Melvin Figueredo scored the consolation goal.
Nagoa topped the group with seven points from three matches while Raia Sporting ended up with four points from the same number of encounters to finish second.
Meanwhile GFA continued with their irresponsible ways as they informed the Press that the match was scheduled at Navelim in their release issued yesterday. Consequently, sports scribes were for a rude shock when there was no match at Navelim and instead the GFA had shifted it to Cansaulim, without even having the decency of informing the scribes. This is not the first time that such unreliable hand-outs are being released by GFA, putting both the fans and reporters to unnecessary distressful situations.
The understanding is that it is the competition committee headed by Schubert Furtado which is responsible for carrying out the changes and these must have been conveyed to both teams much in advance, thus giving an impression that the GFA cares a damn for the Press and the football fans. One does not know if GFA president Shrinivas Dempo has called the attention of those responsible for releasing inaccurate news and if he has reprimanded those responsible for the faux pas which is happening frequently. Or else, such ugly repetitions would not have been taking place. This brings to mind what Benjamin D’Silva, MLA and GFA Executive Committee member pointed out at Navelim, that the GFA EC is a divided house.
Meanwhile, GFA vice-president Lavinio Rebello congratulated Nagoa for making it to the First Division and Laxmi Prasad for earning a passage to Pro League in 2013-14 season. “The Two Bardez clubs displayed high levels of consistency in their league matches and achieved the promotions with a positive display by their players, which is commendable. Their coaches, support staff and the clubs officials deserve kudos for their guidance. There is no doubt the two teams will continue with their fine showing in the next season also,” remarked Lavinio.
Alirio Lobo, GFA’s Executive Committee member also hailed Nagoa for their triumph. “The boys, coach, manager deserve a very big applause for their wonderful performance. The club management, and especially its office-bearers need to be complimented for their excellent support and guidance,” voiced Alirio.
