Panjim Footballers prevail over Young Boys of Tonca
MARGAO
Guardian Angel Sports Club held Churchill Brothers FC to a 1-1 draw in the GFA's Professional league, at Trinity SAG ground, Benaulim, on Wednesday.
In a tightly contested encounter, both teams started cautiously, testing the waters with calculated plays from the back and attacking from the wings. The initial phase witnessed no significant attempts on goal, with both sides focusing on solid defense. The most exciting moment of the first half came when midfielder Cliffton Rebello pounced on a deflection off a powerful footed shot which crashed into the net in the 16th minute to break the deadlock.
Despite several promising attacks from both sides, Guardian Angel Sports Club's equaliser came at the stroke of lemon break when Lumnimlen Haokip slotted past the rival goalkeeper.
The second half saw a rejuvenated, making strategic substitutions to gain control. The fresh legs injected new energy into Guardian Angel attack, forcing Churchill Brothers FC defense to clear several shots on target. Guardian Angel Sports Club had two clear chances. First, Brivon Dias missed the target and later Joel Baretto's attempt was well blocked by the rival goalkeeper.
Both teams intensified their efforts in the final moments, creating opportunities on either end. As the referee blew the final whistle, the teams settled for a hard-fought 1-1 draw.
Panjim Footballers notched a memorable 4-2 victory against Young Boys of Tonca (YBT) in a riveting Goa Professional League encounter at Duler Stadium, Mapusa. The game unfolded with Crespo D’Souza's early breakthrough in the 6th minute. After a 30-yard attempt was blocked by YBT's defense, Crespo seized the opportunity, unleashing a powerful right-footer from the left flank that left the opposing keeper helpless.
Panjim's dominance continued, forcing YBT's midfield effort in the 10th minute to be expertly collected by the agile Panjim custodian. The youngsters maintained control, prompting YBT to remain on high alert. YBT's Lucky Sabita initiated a promising move down the left flank, but a lack of ball control hindered Harshad Naik's chances.
In the 35th minute, Arpan orchestrated a brilliant play, sending Ajay through on goal for a clinical finish, doubling Panjim's lead. The third goal followed in the 45th minute, courtesy of Ajay Raj, who maintained composure to slot past YBT's keeper, resulting in the latter's substitution due to injury.
As the first half concluded, YBT missed a header from a set piece, signaling Panjim's dominance. The second half witnessed Panjim's relentless pursuit of victory. In the 70th minute, a meticulously executed set-piece saw Alvito's corner find Prasil, whose volley extended the lead to 4-0.
YBT showcased resilience in the dying moments, securing two late goals through Yadav Rahul and Saivish. Despite the spirited comeback, Panjim Footballers held firm, securing their inaugural Goa Professional League win with a final score of 4-2.
In GFA Second Division League, UB Ambaulim and Our Lady of Gloria played out a 3-3 draw. Deao SC beat Fr. Agnelo YSC 2-1. Amaravati SC trounced Ronit SC 6-1.
In GFA U-13 Division II League, Ave Maria humble UC Orlim 6-3. YSC Benaulim gained a walkover after their opponents Union of Chinchinim Villagers failed to report at the venue.
In GFA U-13 Khelo India Women's League, Laxmi Prasad downed United Ucassaim 2-1. Dunes SC humbled CSM de Taleigao 12-1.
