MAPUSA: Sesa Football Academy snatched a 2-1 win against Salgaocar Football Club from jaws of defeat in the GFA`s professional league match played at Duler Stadium, here on Thursday.
It was a barren first half and was certainly looking at points being split when both teams decided to have a final-go at each other in the final five minutes of play where Devendra Murgaonkar scored in the 86th minute for Salgoacar but Sesa FA did not lay back and found the net through Kunal Salgaocar and Olvin Cardozo to collect their first three points.
Sesa were off their blocks quickly and in the 1st minute Mark Barreto firm low shot struck Salgaocar defender Daniel Gomes and went out for a corner. Lack of concentration by keeper Jason nearly gave Sesa the opening goal when he delayed with his clearance from a back pass by Daniel but luckily Olvin Cardozo shot hit the keeper and went out.
Minutes later, U-20 Richard Cardozo cracking shot was acrobatically fisted out by Salgaocar keeper Jason D’Mello. Salgaocar who were pegged back in their own half had their first decent attempt when Devendra’s header from a cross delivered by Ribhav missed the target narrowly.
Crossing end, both teams continued attacking each other’s citadel but a goal eluded them either due to the brilliance of their keepers or the ball just missed entering the net by inches.
Richard Cardozo nearly opened the scoring for Sesa in the 64th minute but his shot which was struck with venom hit the first post after being teed up by substitute Kunal Salgaocar.
Just when it looked both the teams would be settling for a point, Salgaocar got the goal in the 86th minute when Steflon D`Costa getting hold off a pass from Selwyn Miranda darted towards the goal and let go a low shot which was well stopped by Sesa keeper Singh but the ball rolled to Devendra who did no make mistake with his placement,1-0
Sesa who were more superior than their opponents did not lay down and fought back to score quick goals in the 89th and 90th minutes.
Kunal Salgaocar made it 1-1 with a brilliant individual effort while skipper Olvin Cardozo sent the entire Sesa dugout and teammates into jubilation when his header from a cross delivered by Richard entered the net after brushing past the post, 2-1.
“The boys gave their best till the final whistle and I am proud of the lads. The game was ours to win and they showed it with their determination,” explained Sesa FA coach Charles Dias.
