PANJIM: Panjim Footballers and Youth Club of Manora shared points following their 1-1 draw in the Goa Football Association Goa Professional League (Relegation league) at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Tuesday.
Manora took the lead in the first session through Arghya Roy in the 35th minute while Franky Oliveira levelled terms in the 71st minute to share the points for Panjim.
Both the teams were restricted to midfield battle in the initial stages of the game. However, there were chances created but sloppy approach by the players in the attacking saw them miss the chances.
Manora were able to break the deadlock when Panjim’s U20 defender Maristo Fernandes brought down a Manora player outside the area. From the resultant freekick, Arghya nodded in the ball to put his side ahead in the game.
Panjim should have levelled terms just before the breather when Chandan was through on goal after dribbling two Manora defenders only to shoot wide with just the keeper at his sight.
In the second half, Panjim came with renewed ideas and they finally restored parity through a team goal. Akash Sanadi initiated the move in the midfield and played Irfan Yadwad upfront, who made use of his quick feet getting past a couple of rival defenders and set up Franky in the area, where the last named just had to place the ball at the back of the net, 1-1.
Manora nearly regained the lead but Panjim’s Dhiraj came with a fine block to deny their opponents. At the other end, it was Franky who squandered a chance to ensure full points. The scores remained 1-1 till the final whistle.
