MAPUSA: Substitute Newton Azavedo score a gem of a goal after coming on as in the second session as Tuff Laxmi Prasad Sports Club salvage a point with a 2-2 draw against Santa Cruz Club Cavelossim in a round four match of the Goa Pro League, at Duler Stadium, here, on Saturday. Cavelossim led 2-1 at half time.
Nigerian striker Ndubuisi Opara put Tuff Laxmi ahead early on but Cavelossim fought hard and equalized through Mario Mascarenhas in the 21st minute while Joel Fernandes scored the second in the 27th minute.
Newton came on as a substitute and restored parity for Tuff Laxmi Prasad SC in the 64th minute to restore parity.
This was Tuff Laxmi Prasad SC’s third draw which took them to the eighth position with three points while Cavelossim are a spot above with four points from a win and a draw.
It took Opara just three minutes to give Tuff Laxmi Prasad SC the lead as the Nigerian executed a defence splitting pass by Nicholas Rodrigues and slotted coolly past Cavelossim custodian Ram Sroop.
However, the Severino Fernandes coached outfit did not lose focus and regrouped strongly. They equalized in the 21st minute after the rival defence was beaten by a dangerous low cross from the left flank by Marcus Fernandes with skipper Mario Mascarenhas making an easy tap in.
The young Cavelossim side full of local talent believed in themselves which helped them take the lead in the 27th minute.
It was Joel Fernandes who muscled past Lenstan Afonso to toe the ball in past Tuff Laxmi Prasad SC keeper Kunal Sawant. Mathew Colaco provided the assist.
Crossing over, substitute Agnelo Colaco had two glorious opportunities to score for Tuff Laxmi Prasad SC but the striker ballooned over from an ideal position and then failed to connect a fine cross by Opara.
However, another substitute player Newton did not disappoint coach Valentine Ezeugo as the right-winger struck a spectacular half volley to make it 2-2 off an assist by Opara in the 64th minute.
Agnelo was trying hard and minutes later came close to scoring but his out of the box shot deflected off Mario and hit the crossbar.
At the other end, Tuff Laxmi Prasad SC captain Remus Gomes came to his sides rescue after making a goalline clearance off a Joshua Vaz effort.
In the injury time, Tuff Laxmi Prasad SC were unfortunate again as Opara’s grounder hit the upright.
