First-half blitz secures 5-2 win
SCOREBOX
Pax of Nagoa SC 2 (Beneston Barretto 37', Shubert Pereira 85') lost to Calangute Association 5 (Jovito Fernandes 1' 28' 42', Krutik Gaikwad 24', Joven Fernandes 45')
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PANAJI
Calangute Association produced a dominant first-half performance to register a convincing 5-2 win over Pax of Nagoa SC in a Goa Professional League clash on Thursday.
Calangute made an early breakthrough in the 11th minute when Sheldon Pereira surged down the right and squared the ball for Jovito Fernandes, who finished calmly to give his side the lead. The advantage was doubled in the 24th minute as Joywin Carneiro slipped a precise pass to Krutik Gaikwad, who dribbled past defenders before slotting home.
The visitors maintained relentless pressure and struck again four minutes later. Sheldon once more turned provider with a measured cross that Jovito converted clinically to make it 3-0. Pax of Nagoa pulled one back in the 37th minute when Shubert Pereira set up Beneston Barretto to reduce the deficit.
Calangute quickly restored control, with Jovito completing his hat-trick in the 42nd minute after reacting fastest to convert a rebound when his initial effort struck the crossbar. Moments before half-time, a swift move involving Gaikwad and Suraj Kumar ended with Joven Fernandes finding the net to hand Calangute a commanding 5-1 lead at the break.
After the restart, Calangute managed the game with defensive discipline while Pax searched for openings. The hosts were awarded a late penalty when Atmaram Jadhav was penalised for handball, and Shubert Pereira converted from the spot in the 85th minute.
Calangute’s explosive first-half display proved decisive as they sealed a comprehensive 5-2 victory.
