First-timers make brilliant rally to earn hard-fought 3-3 draw against defending champs
the goan I network
MAPUSA
Panjim Footballers cut their teeth into big-time State football with a spirited fightback to split points with defending champions Salgaocar FC in the inaugural match of Goa Pro League 2017-18 played at Duler on Sunday.
Panjim Footballers, who replaced Penha de France in the top tier tournament announced their arrival in telling fashion. A move in the fifth minute started by Panjim Footballers' captain, Gautam Dias was almost finished by striker Ruflon Fernades, which was deflected off by an opposition defender. Three minutes later, Ruflon did not let go a second strike on goal capitalising on a goal mouth melee to stun the much fancied green shirts.
Shortly afterwards, Salgaocar could have restored parity when Harmanjot Singh's pin-point cross fell in the path of fellow media Brian Mascarenhas who shot the ball wide. Couple of minutes later, Salgaocar's corner specialist Gilbert Oliveira floated a delightful ball into the box and Harmanjot powered a header to level scores. Thereon, the defending champions grew into the game and dictated terms to the GPL first-timers.
On the 17th minute, Panjim Footballers' defender Kunal Kundaikar was penalised for handling the ball inside his box and Salgaocar were awarded a penalty with Gilbert making no mistake. Gilbert was in thick of action again when another well-directed corner kick on the 25th minute was neatly headed into goal by Devendra Murgaonkar. Salgaocar after the early jitters went into the locker room with their chins held high at 3-1.
Crossing over, Salgaocar had a good chance to bulge their lead when Brian Mascarenhas' cross to Harmanjot found the latter miss the target by not too much. Shortly afterwards, Panjim Footballer's had an opportunity of their own when medio Clifton strike from a fair distance sailed inches over the crossbar.
As the game wore past the hour mark, Panjim Footballers' began to play on an equal footing not giving much room for the Port Town team to create trouble. On the 63rd minute, Panjim Footballer's captain, Gautam Dias sent a lovely floater to Clifton Fernandes whose ensuing effort fell short.
With the introduction of pacy left winger, Sachidanand Satelkar into the game in the 72nd minute, Panjim Footballers' game rose a few notches. The last quarter, saw the younger, fitter Panjim Footballers with their frenetic pace begin to cause havoc to the fancied green shirts. Their persistent forays, eventually led to a dreaded ball-handling by Salgaocar's captain, Rosario Mendes on the 80th minute. Stepping in to take the penalty, Harshad Naik pulled one back for Panjim Footballers to bring the
game to life.
Running against the clock, Panjim Footballers' never-say-die attitude came to the fore seconds before the long whistle was sounded when on 90+3' Clifton Fernandes finally found his range to make most of the cross provided by super-sub, Sachidanand Satelkar to end the match at 3-3.
Speaking to ‘The Goan' after the match, a dejected Salgaocar FC Coach, Norbert Gonsalves' stated that his side had to pay dearly for overconfidence after a dominant first half. On the other hand, a visibly thrilled, Panjim Footballers coach Savio Vaz lauded the resilience of his young outfit. "During half time, I had a team talk. I just told the boys it is not over. We have 45 minutes in our hand. Just go out and start fresh. Just believe in yourselves that you can win," the Curtorim-based coach revealed.
