PANAJI
Churchill Brothers FC and Panjim Footballers played out a 1-1 draw in the Goa Football Association CAM Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Tuesday.The Red Machines had to net the equalising goal through Nongmeikapam Sanathoi in the 44th minute to cancel Panjim Footballers’ first-half lead scored through Doyal Alves. However, Panjim goalkeeper Preston Rego’s heroics with a stunning save in the dying minutes of the game proved to earn a crucial point for the Panjim side.
Churchill Bros assistant coach Keenan Almeida stated, “The boys fought back and forced a draw after opponents scored the opening goal. We did a great job as a team, but unfortunately, we fell short. The opposing team goalkeeper played well.”
Panjim Footballers coach Francisco Vaz was content with his side’s performance and said, “The boys gave their heart out and we nearly got the win. But one point in this tough fixture is not bad either. I am happy for the boys for giving their best.”
Panjim Footballers coach Francisco made one change bringing on Malcolm Gonsalves in place of Deep Pednekar from their defeat against Dempo SC, while Churchill Brothers had many changes in the side with Meldon Silva, Shubert Pereira, Chaitain Komarpant starting the game this time.
The changes made an impact for the Red Machines side who enjoyed maximum ball possession in the early minutes of the game. But it was Panjim who broke the deadlock in the 29th minute when Frazier Castanha sent a long ball over the Churchill Bros defence from the midfield, which saw Doyal Alves break the opposition’s last line and placed the ball past the rival custodian through Subhajit Bhattacharjee.
Panjim nearly doubled the lead from a set-piece when Britto pushed the ball into the goal with a body touch; however, the third official raised the flag for a probable handball in the area by the scorer.
However, Churchill Brothers’ constant pressing for the equaliser paid dividends as the goal arrived in the 44th minute. This time George Desouza provided an assist from the corner when his delivery was nodded in by Nongmeikapam Sanathoi to make it 1-1.
