Uttrakhand hold Goa in Junior National football

TEAM HERALD

sports@herald-goa.com

MAPUSA: Despite being held 2-2 by Uttarakhand, Goa managed to finish third in the table on goal difference in their final outing in Dr B.C Roy trophy Junior Nationals at Siligur, West Bengal, Monday. Goa led 1-0 at the change of ends.

After a spectacular second half performance in the last match, Sahil Tavora was brought into the first eleven. Right back Prajot Kerkar and striker Abel Mathew also started for the first time in the tournament.

Ten minutes before the break, Abel neatly chipped the ball over the Uttarakhand goalkeeper to give Goa the lead.

In the second half, Goa could have doubled their lead, but substitute Constancio Rodrigues saw his penalty come back off the woodwork. Moments later, Goa were to be denied yet again by the post after captain Mauvin Borges struck.

After being seriously injured in the last match through a collision with the goalkeeper, Goa brought in Ahan Philips back as he came off the bench to replace Bipin Malik in midfield.

In the 67th minute, Mauvin made up for an earlier miss as he placed the ball into the goal to double Goa’s lead.

Just when they thought they were home and dry, Goa conceeded two late goals, both coming from headers to end up sharing points.

The team will leave for Delhi on Tuesday and are expected back in Goa on Friday, accompanied by coach Baptist Fernandes, assitanct coach David D’Souza and manager Gajanan Kerkar.