MARGAO
Goa’s campaign in the Junior Boys National Football Championship for the Dr BC Roy Trophy (Group D, Tier 1) came to an end after they suffered a 0-2 defeat against Uttar Pradesh at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Friday.
The loss left Goa at the bottom of the group with just one point from their campaign.
Uttar Pradesh dominated possession from the outset and dictated the tempo, constantly pushing forward and creating chances. Goa goalkeeper Abner Viegas was kept busy as the Uttar Pradesh attack repeatedly tested the Goan defence.
Goa struggled to break down a resolute Uttar Pradesh backline and rarely threatened the opposition goal.
Uttar Pradesh took the lead in the 19th minute when Amir Khan unleashed a rasping shot that found the back of the net.
After the break, Goa struggled to mount any meaningful attacking moves. Their forwards failed to seriously test Uttar Pradesh goalkeeper Kingsley Menezes, who had a relatively quiet outing.
Piyush Pratap Sawant was unable to make an impact, while Menezes was largely a spectator during Goa’s attacking spells.
Uttar Pradesh continued to apply pressure and eventually doubled their advantage in the 50th minute, when Aryan Yadav found the roof of the net to make it 2-0.
The victory gave Uttar Pradesh three points from two matches and kept their campaign alive.
