MAPUSA: Sangolda Lightning SC huffed and puffed before they managed to get the better of Valpoi FC by 7-6 margin via the tie-breaker to storm into the finals of the GFA’s Third Division playoff held at Duler stadium, here, on Wednesday.
Valpoi came strongly into the match where Zaid Khan and Sujeet Gaonkar goal bound strikes rebounded off the rival crossbar.
In the 11th minute, Sangolda Lightning forged ahead, where in a counter attack Rakesh Samal sent a delightful cross from the right flank to Arun Naik who made no mistake to tap the ball into the goal.
Five minutes later Valpoi had a glorious chance to level terms but Zaid Khan header sailed just over the cross bar.
While Valpoi did the attacking in another counter attack in the 28th minute, Sangolda’s Arun Naik netted his brace with a superb individual brilliancy to make it 2-0.
On crossing ends Valpoi colts came with renewed ideas and scored two superb goals through Zaid Khan (56th) and Sujeet Gaonkar (63rd minute) to level terms and send the large supporters into exctacy.
With the regulation time ending in a 2-2 draw the penalty shootout was enforced where Sangolda Lightning proved to be better shooters by winning the match with 5-4 margin.
Sangolda Lightning’s Arun Naik received the man-of-the-match award from the hands of Omkar Vaingankar, GFA’s Executive Comitteee member.
