the goan I network
PANAJI
FC Goa Developmental Team came away with a point from their Goa Pro-League match against Calangute Association after a 1-1 draw at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, today. Calangute took the lead just before half-time through an outstanding long shot from Omkar More. FC Goa left it late to fight back and got the equaliser through a penalty in stoppage time with substitute Veegan Ferrao stepping up to send the goalkeeper the wrong way.
FC Goa got off to a very good start and established control of the game early on. The Gaurs could have been ahead almost from kick-off when Saviour Gama received the ball on the left and swung in a left-footed cross which just about evaded the head of Aaren D'Silva running down the middle in the box. The Gaurs continued to dominate the early exchanges and pushed forward to try and find the opening goal. Attacking midfielder Yasir Mohammed was pulling the strings for FC Goa. Yasir then floated a superbly weighted corner towards the middle of the box but once again the ball just about went past Aaren's head.
Some careless defending almost presented FC Goa with a chance to take the lead but Jason miscued his shot and Yasir's follow up effort was blocked well. Aaren was holding up play well and almost provided a gem of an assist for Enestar. However, the winger couldn't lob the ball over the onrushing defender and smash home.
Calangute began to get back into the game at the half-hour mark and should have taken the lead in the 32nd minute. Right at the end of the first half, however, Calangute finally managed to score. Jason Barbosa was guilty of losing the ball high up the pitch and the opposition played the ball into the channel. It was then laid off to substitute Omkar More who smashed it past Iprotip Das' near post.
There was however, a late twist in the tale. A long ball towards Aaren hit the hand of a defender as he attempted to take it down and the referee pointed to the spot immediately. Substitute Veegan stepped up and smashed the ball home.
