MAPUSA: Guardian Angel Sports Club, Curchorem put up a stiff challenge to get the better of Vasco Sports Club with a 1-0 win in the GFA’s Pro League, at Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Monday.
Guardian Angel SC are on four points while Vasco SC are yet to open their account.
Curchorem initiated the attack and took the lead in the 18th minute when they were awarded a direct freekick right on the edge of the penalty area after referee Shekar Shirodkar found Vasco’s Nagesh Naju guilty of handling the ball.
Micky Fernandes’ powerful strike was too hot for Vasco keeper Shilton Fernandes to handle as the ball rolled to Yakubu Mohammad, who drilled the ball into the Vasco nets, 1-0.
Vasco had an opportunity to level terms within the next five minutes, however their Ivory Coast signing –Franck Alves Kouassi’s shot from inside the danger zone brushed the legs of the defender before going out for a corner.
In the closing stages of the first half, Yakubu Mohammad was unlucky to score on two occasions. First –his strike missed the top corner of the Vasco nets by a whisker and then his placement from handshaking distance was timely blocked by Vasco defender Rovan Pereira.
On resumption of play, Guardian Angel held possession for major duration but failed to increase their lead.
Vasco keeper Shilton did a fine job under the horizontal bar to frustrate the Curchorem strikers time and again.
Perryson Rebello saw his effort being blocked by keeper Shilton where Yakubu’s placement from the rebound missed the target.
Minutes later, Shilton parried away Perryson’s right footer and then denied Lavino Fernandes from scoring, through a full stretched diving save.
At the other end, Curchorem keeper Ram Sroop did well to keep Nasar Abdul Kader and Kingslee Fernandes’s efforts at bay to ensure his side returned home with full points.
