Mapusa, March 12 : Saligao Sporting Club woke up very late as they netted two goals in the dying minutes to snatch all three points overcoming Laxmi Prasad Sports Club 2-0 in a Group A GFA 2nd Division fixture, at Duler stadium here on Saturday. The match was goalless at the breather.
Saligao substitute Abhijit Chodankar shot low in the 90th minute to put his side ahead. In the third minute of injury time Saligao midfielder Uday Naik blasted in to make sure of victory.
In an extremely slow and subdued encounter, it was Saligao’s fighting spirit which kept them focused till the final whistle.
At half time Saligao brought on Abhijit in to the forward line, while striker Desmond D’Souza was shifted into midfield. This allowed Saligao to increase their attempts on goal.
Laxmi Prasad started with the same first eleven which took three points in their opening match and by the second half it was clear that playing two games in the space of three days had clearly taken its toll on the players as they looked lethargic.
The first half was so unexciting that the fans were seen checking their phones for updates on cricket. The only shot on target came from Saligao, after Desmond neatly backheeled the ball for Uday Naik to strike but his shot was easily gathered.
After the break, bought teams made changes to try and inject pace into the game, but with little luck. Saligao’s Abhijit had two attempts saved by the rival goalkeeper.
With the match looking like it was heading for a stalemate, Abhijit struck low to put Saligao ahead.
With virtually the last kick of the game Uday Naik punted in the second, which could prove to be decisive as goal average may play a part in this group.
