Team Herald
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MAPUSA: Geno FC secured a 2-1 victory over Guardian Angel SC in the Goa Professional League, at Duler stadium, on Thursday. With the win, Geno FC moved to 22 points from 10 matches, while Guardian Angel SC remain at just 5 points from their 10 outings.
Both teams, eager to recover from defeats in their previous matches, began the game with intensity. Geno FC displayed greater attacking intent, creating more opportunities at the rival goal.
In the 10th minute, Guardian Angel defender James Fernandes sent a back pass to his goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh, who collected the ball just in time to deny Geno’s Arun Naik an opportunity to toe the ball into the net.
At the other end, in the 17th minute, Angel’s Cyril Dias found U-21 player Preston Castano on the left flank. Castano moved into the 18-yard box and unleashed a left-footer, but Geno custodian Akshat Hadkonkar pushed it out for a corner.
Geno came close to breaking the deadlock in the 40th minute. Prajat Naik set up Arun Naik, but his shot was brilliantly blocked by Angel’s goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh, forcing another corner.
The breakthrough came just five minutes into the second half when Geno’s Arun Naik capitalised on a goalmouth melee to slot the ball home, giving his side a 1-0 lead.
However, Guardian Angel responded in the 57th minute through a spectacular effort from midfielder Airen Fernandes. His 30-yard drive slipped through the gloves of Geno’s goalkeeper Akshat Hadkonkar, levelling the score at 1-1.
Geno found the decisive goal in the 71st minute when substitute Franky Oliveiro latched onto a square pass from Godwin Fernandes and calmly slotted the ball past the defenders and goalkeeper to make it 2-1.
Guardian Angel’s late efforts to equalise were in vain as G eno held on to secure all three points.
