MARGAO
Goa staged a strong comeback to hold Odisha to a 2-2 draw in the Group Stage of the Junior Boys National Football Championship — NFC, BC Roy Trophy, at the Bangalore Football Stadium in Bengaluru.
Goa started brightly and took the lead in the 11th minute through Piyush P Sawant, who found the target to give his side an early advantage.
Odisha, however, hit back through Thiyam Famous, who equalised in the 31st minute. Famous struck again just before half-time, scoring in the 44th minute to put Odisha 2-1 ahead at the break.
Goa refused to give up and restored parity in the 61st minute, with Sawant completing his brace to make it 2-2.
Both teams created opportunities in an evenly contested second half, with Goa pushing for a winner. Odisha’s defence, however, stood firm to deny the Goans.
Goa goalkeeper Abner Viegas also played a key role, making several important saves to keep his team in the contest.
The two sides eventually settled for a share of the points after an engaging battle.
