Team Herald
MAPUSA: Salgaocar FC managed to hold FC Goa to a goalless draw in the CAM Goa Professional League played at Duler stadium here on Tuesday.
After this drawn encounter, Salgaocar FC stay on top position with 11 points from 6 matches while FC Goa has 10 points from 6 matches and are in second position.
Both the teams came very close in opening their account early in the match.
A well executed 25-yard free-kick by Salgaocar’s Sidharth Kundaikar in the direction of far top corner of goal was brilliantly paired for a corner by keeper Hrithik Tiwari.
In the very next minute, Young Gaurs medio Malsawmtluanga sent an intelligent through pass to unmarked U20 Jovial Dias just on top of the 6-yard box whose left footer was excellently blocked and collected by Salgaocar’s keeper U20 Vishal Sunar at the first post.
After midfield tussle in the 35th minute Young Gaurs moved from the left flank inside the 18-yard box and sent a teasing grounder across the goal area which was cleared for a corner by defender Krishnanath Shirodkar.
Salgaocar’s in charge Levino Pereira brought Fhezer Gomes and Antush Moniz from the bench at the start of the second session.
A well taken corner by Salgaocar’s Sidharth saw Ribhav Sardesai strike deflect off a defender and the ball rolled to substitute Fhezer Gomes whose shot sneaked just past the goal post.
At the other end a power packed right footer from outside the penalty box by U20 Vellington Fernandes was blocked by Salgaocar’s keeper Vishal Sunar.
Green Brigade squandered a glorious chance to take the lead in the 80th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Young Gaurs skipper Lesly Rebello was caught in the act of handling the ball by referee Sunil Nanodkar.
Salgaocar’s skipper Samuel Costa stepped forward to take the spot kick which rebounded off the crossbar and cleared by the defender.
In the very next minute, a header by substitute Shanon Viegas from close landed into the gloves of Salgaocar’s keeper Vishal.
FC Goa keeper Hrithik Tiwari received the man of the match award which was presented by Carlos Pena-Head Coach of FC Goa.
