MAPUSA: Churchill Bros Sports Club skipper Richard Costa saved his team from a humiliating defeat by scoring in the very last minute to salvage a point in a 1-1 draw against Calangute Association, in GFA’s Goa Professional League football match, round one, at Duler Stadium, here, on Thursday. Calangute Association led 1-0 at half time.
Calangute Association announced their arrival in the top flight in style with Edberg Sequeira beautifully converted a free-kick in the very first minute. They were on course for a victory until the last minute of the stoppage time when Richard nodded in from close range.
Incessant rains came as a blessing to Calangute Association. Churchill goalkeeper Bilal Khan handled the ball outside the 18-yard box in the as he skidded in the process of making a safe collection, prompting referee Elvis Simoes to award Calangute Association a free-kick in the very first minute.
Edberg made the best use of the set piece by curling the ball with his left foot right in the top left near post from an acute angle. Lanky Bilal was left stunned and so were the Calangute supporters who celebrated in joy after realizing the ball had entered the goal.
Churchill Bros were derailed and had to start all over again. The Red Machines struggled to the maintain ball possession early on, even as they tried to attack.
Calangute Association also adopted a defensive approach which made it easy for their rivals to take control.
However, the travelling team from Varca failed to create any clear chances before the break. They looked lively after changing ends but William Colaco and Joshua Rebello’s efforts did not bare fruit.
The fourth official signalled four minutes of added time and the Calangute supporters were raring to celebrate, so were their players.
However, Calangute lacked concentration and a dangerous cross from the left flank by Joshua sailed over the rival defence and found Richard, who calmly chested the ball to the ground and nodded past keeper Gerard D’Mello as his defence were left wanting, 1-1.
The Calangute supporters had to go home depressed.
