Lepcha’s second-half header seals vital win
SCOREBOX
Goa Police 0 lost to Guardian Angel SC 1 (Suman Lepcha 48')
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PANAJI
Guardian Angel SC produced a disciplined performance to register a crucial 1-0 win over Goa Police SC in the Goa Pro League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, boosting their chances of climbing out of the lower end of the table.
Placed second from the bottom and in need of points, Guardian Angel showed early intent despite Goa Police enjoying the bulk of possession. Granville Fernandes came close to opening the scoring in the eighth minute, his effort narrowly missing the target.
Goa Police responded soon after, with Kunal Salgaonkar finding space inside the box, only to be denied by a brave intervention from goalkeeper Franklin Gracias. The Guardian custodian was again called into action minutes later, producing a sharp save to keep out a powerful strike from Gauresh Desai.
Both sides continued to search for a breakthrough, but clear chances were few. Just before the interval, Goa Police goalkeeper Saiesh Kunkolkar made a crucial save to ensure the teams went into the break level at 0-0.
The decisive moment came early in the second half. In the 48th minute, Cyril Dias delivered a precise ball into the box which was met by Suman Lepcha, whose header from the edge of the area found the net to give Guardian Angel the lead.
Goa Police pushed hard for an equaliser thereafter, applying sustained pressure on the Guardian defence. However, the visitors remained resolute, with Gracias and his backline standing firm to repel repeated attacks.
Despite a late booking for Fulganco Cardozo as tensions rose, Guardian Angel held their nerve to secure a vital win.
The result sees Guardian Angel SC claim three important points as they look to improve their position in the standings.
