MARGAO
Goa came from behind to hold Tamil Nadu to a 1-1 draw in the 32nd Senior Women National Football Championship at Cuttack, Odisha on Thursday.
Both the sides created chances but failed to convert them in the initial period of the game. Goa employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, playing only one striker in Karishma Shirodkar. The game started at a high tempo as the teams pressed for an early goal. Michel Castanha combined well with Sujita Murgaonkar, who passed a through ball to Nevilla Colaco on the right flank but the Tamil Nadu defence cut short the move as they frustrated the Goan attackers.
Tamil Nadu slowly grew in confidence and looked dangerous. In the 12th minute, Indrani and Indumathi combined well but the former’s try was well blocked by Goa goalkeeper Candice Fernandes. Goa found a possible opening in the 15th minute when Valenie Fernandes was fouled by Soundharaya and referee awarded a free kick which was taken by Scindia. However her shot hit the crossbar and the rebound went out after having the Tamil Nadu goalkeeper in a bit of bother.
Tamil Nadu broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when Indumathi hoodwinked a couple of defenders and beat Goa goalkeeper Candice Fernandes as she made a valiant attempt to stop the attacker. Goa pressed hard for the equaliser and nearly fetched the equaliser but Nevilla shot wide from close range, off a Kenda D’Souza pass. Tamil Nadu nearly doubled the lead but Goa goalkeeper Candice Fernandes came to her side’s rescue when she blocked Nandhini’s attempt.
Crossing over, Goa put up a improved display and attacked the rival citadel with Michel Castana working tirelessly. Goa play Sikkim next, on February 5.
Tamil Nadu were looking for a second goal but the Goa defence stood tall in protecting their citadel. Candice fernandes again made a superlative save to stop an Indumathi try. In the 52nd minute, Alisha was replaced by Vailanka D’Souza. It was a welcome move as Vailanka made an immediate impact with her play on the left flank.
Goa were then denied a possible spot kick in the 75th minute as defender Malavika appeared to have handled the ball inside the penalty area but referee Ranjit Devi waved play on. The Goans suffered another blow when Vailanka got injured with a hamstring pull. Coach Anthony Dias had to switch Karen Costa to the left flank and she fetched the equaliser in the 83rd minute.
