PANAJI
Cortalim Villagers secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over FC Goa, scoring the winner in the dying seconds of their Goa Professional League match on Monday.
The win solidifies Cortalim's position at the top of the table, three points clear of the chasing pack.
The first half saw both teams trade blows. Cortalim drew first blood in the 40th minute through Ronil Azavedo, who continued his impressive run of scoring form. However, FC Goa's Likson Rebello, fresh off a hat-trick in his previous outing, responded just before halftime, restoring parity.
The tide began to turn in Cortalim's favour in the 85th minute when FC Goa goalkeeper Bob Jackson was shown a second yellow card, reducing them to 10 men. With their opponents shorthanded, Cortalim pressed for the winner.
Their persistence paid off in the most dramatic fashion imaginable. Just when it seemed like the teams were heading for a draw, FC Goa’s Malikjaan guided the ball into his own net to gift three points to Cortalim.
Cortalim Villagers now sit on 37 points from 19 matches, three points clear of Dempo SC, Pax of Nagoa, and Sporting Clube de Goa. Meanwhile, FC Goa remain on 30 points from 19 matches.
Meanwhile in another match at Benaulim, Geno FC beat Guardian Angel SC 1-0. Sahil Inamdar scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot.
