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Late drama in the GFA President’s League saw FC Goa concede twice in two minutes, as Sporting Clube de Goa came from behind to hold the Gaurs to a draw. Goals from Velroy Fernandes and Mallikjan Kalegar helped FC Goa take a lead, before Stendly Fernandes and Lloyd Cardozo rescued the opponents from a defeat.
FC Goa started briskly and came close to scoring as early as the second minute itself, but Mevan Dias lost his balance while attempting to shoot.
Sporting Clube replied in equal measure in the very next minute, with a good attacking move of their own. FC Goa were, however, fortunate enough to see the final shot go wide off the post.
In the 8th minute, Velroy Fernandes found the back of the net for FC Goa, but the goal was ruled out for off-side.
After the first 15 minutes of the match which witnessed end-to-end action, the Gaurs started to take control of the proceedings with clever passes. One such move saw Jovial Dias, Brison Fernandes and Mevan Dias combine brilliantly for an attempt at goal which was miraculously saved by goalkeeper Ozen Silva.
FC Goa finally broke the deadlock in the 24th minute through Velroy. The midfielder was quick to rush into the box and receive a pass from Ronaldo Oliveira, before burying it at the far post.
19 minutes later, the Gaurs got a golden opportunity to double their lead as Oliveira did well to play a low ball into the box once again. The goalkeeper, however, was quick to react to Nestor Dias’ shot as he parried it away for a corner-kick.
The Men in Orange scored their second goal just two minutes into the second half. Brison, who debuted for the first team in the ISL earlier this season, proved why he is rated so highly with a brilliant cross from the right flank. The ball evaded the goalkeeper and landed right in front of the far post, where an unmarked Mallikjan Kalegar was present to guide it in.
The debutant only had to place the ball into the net, which he promptly did to score his maiden goal of the season.
Deggie Cardozo’s boys could have buried the game in the 62nd minute, when Mevan found himself in a one-on-one situation with Ozen Silva. The forward, however, failed to capitalise on the opportunity as he shot wide.
The remainder of the match saw both teams jostling for possession and often resorting to physical challenges to win the ball. This added pressure on FC Goa, causing them to lose focus and make mistakes in defence.
Two such mistakes were exploited by Stendly and Lloyd, the duo scoring a goal each post the 90th minute mark to help Sporting Clube de Goa earn a point from the clash.
The FC Goa’s Development team will return to action on Friday, April 15, when they begin their Reliance Foundation Development League campaign against Chennaiyin FC at the Nagoa Ground.
