SCOREBOX: CALANGUTE ASSN 2 (Vishesh Nasnodkar 33', Richard Cardoz 69') bt GUARDIAN ANGEL 1 (Clifton Rebello 75')
PANAJI
Calangute Association secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Guardian Angel SC in an intense Goa Professional League clash at Duler Stadium on Sunday.
The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute when Vishesh combined brilliantly with Pandurang in a slick one-two exchange. Vishesh finished with composure, driving the ball into the bottom-right corner to give Calangute the lead.
After a spirited response from Guardian Angel early in the second half, Calangute coach Marcelino made a decisive tactical adjustment, introducing Richard Cardoz for Kenrick Menezes. The substitute wasted no time making an impact. In the 69th minute, a well-timed square pass from Jovito Fernandes set up Richard, who beat his marker with finesse before firing a precise low drive into the far corner to double the lead.
Guardian Angel found a lifeline in the 74th minute through a touch of misfortune for Calangute. A curling cross from Clifton Rebello deflected off defender Melvin Lobo, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and narrowing the deficit to 2-1.
Calangute had opportunities to seal the match earlier, with Jovito Dias dispossessing Fedrich and threading a pass to Kenrick, whose low shot forced a sharp save from Guardian Angel’s goalkeeper Oswin. The rebound fell to Jovito, but Oswin's quick recovery and sliding tackle neutralized the danger.
On the other end, Guardian Angel nearly struck in the first half through Clifton Rebello's pinpoint delivery, which narrowly eluded Cyril at the far post.
Despite Guardian Angel’s late surge, Calangute’s defence held firm, repelling a series of attacks to preserve their slender advantage and clinch all three points. The result bolsters Calangute’s campaign, while Guardian Angel will look to regroup ahead of their next challenge.
