Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: The star-studded Goa started their campaign with confidence by registering a 6-0 victory over Gujarat in the inaugural match of the West Zone Qualifiers of the 70th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Tuesday.
Goa dominated the match and netted three goals in each session. Agnelo Colaco opened the scoring with a fine goal from just outside the box in the 12th minute of play.
The hosts played a lot of short passes and tried to get every player involved in the game.
Their patience and persistence paid off with Francis Fernandes scoring a brilliant goal to double the lead with a solo run starting from the half way in the 43rd minute.
Captain Peter Carvalho made it 3-0 just before the half time whistle with a header from a corner kick ably assisted by Mohamad Ali.
The second half started with Goa team in a renewed sense of urgency to add more three goals to the tally. The game was mostly played in the Gujarat half with Goa pounding the opposition with quick short passes and long range attempts at goal.
Agnelo again scored in the 58th minute to make it 4-0 and complete his brace. Beevan D’Mello missed a couple of chances in front of the goal.
Later, substitute Semson Fernandes scored two quick fire goals in the 85th and 90th minutes to complete the rout.
In their second match, Goa face Daman and Diu on February 12, at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, at 4 p.m.
