PANJIM: Sesa Football Academy (SFA) scored in the dying minutes of the game to play a thrilling 2-2 draw against Velsao Sports and Cultural Club in the Goa Football Association Goa Professional League match at Sirsaim ground, on Thursday.
The game started on a very positive note for SFA as Olvin dropped to the right-wing to collect the ball and crossed it inside the box towards Richard Cardoz. SFA winger converted it with a sublime header past the opposition keeper Alison in the 3rd minute.
A defensive error by SFA center-back Myran allowed Velsao strikers Joseph and Romario to strike on a counter-attack and level against the hosts. Velsao SCC’s Joseph scored in the 12th minute of the game from outside the box after his shot was slightly deflected, leaving the keeper clueless. SFA had an opportunity in the 20th minute from a free-kick in a dangerous position as Olvin delivered a cross inside the box which met Melvin Lobo’s head and just went wide off the target.
Velsao SCC captain Joseph troubled SFA defense as a pass from Edward from the midfield allowed the striker to attempt a shot on goal. SFA keeper Hansel Coelho saved the shot and referee awarded a corner to VSCC.
In the 42nd minute, Richard delivered a lob pass inside the opposition box from a free-kick. The ball was defended well by Sadik but Russel was quick to regain possession for SFA and passed it towards the danger zone. SFA center-back, Myran who had joined the attack during the free-kick met the ball and attempted a strike before the offside flag was up at the sidelines.
At the beginning of the second half, the Velsao coach decided to change things in the midfield as Rohan replaced Edward Kenneth.
SFA coach also changed things in the midfield as he replaced Domnic Soares with Shridarnath Gawas.
Velsao had an injury blow in the 57th minute as Smith was stretchered off the pitch and was replaced by Joywin at the heart of the defense.
SFA continued to create chances upfront on the left-wing as a brilliant link-up play between Richard, Russel and Stephen allowed more room to go forward.
Lalbabu attempted a strike in the 80th minute from 25 yards out to trouble SFA keeper but the ball went just wide. Jesloy had a chance in the 84th minute of the game inside the SFA box after his strike was saved by Hansel.
On what was looking like a 1-1 draw, after referee indicated four minutes additional time at the 90-minute mark, both teams scored inside 3 minutes of injury time in what turned out to be a thriller.
Joseph Periera scored for Velsao right from outside SFA box from a half volley that went straight at the back of the net and SFA captain Melvin Lobo had the last chance of the game for SFA from a free-kick 30 yards.
Melvin struck the ball from the free-kick spot right at the top bar and it went inside leaving no chance for keeper Alliston.
