the goan I network
PANAJI
Goan Football club registered a hard-fought 1-0 win over Corps of Signals in the Goa Professional League, organised by GFA, at Duler stadium, here on Sunday.
Goan FC coach Clifford Miranda made five changes in his Starting XI with some his first-choice players on duty for the senior FC Goa team for the ISL match against Mumbai FC on October 24. Kapil Hoble, Meldon D’Silva, Imran Khan, Leander DCunha and U-20 Vincy Barretto got the nod in the Starting XI.
At the other end, Corps of Signals manager Chahal JS made four changes in his team’s starting XI after their miserable 4-0 loss to Salgaocar FC in their last league match. Keeper Binu Purushothama, Romans MS, TC Lalhuapzauva and U-20 player Joel Dias started the match.
Although the Young Gaurs dominated the entire first session, they just had two good attempts at the rival goal. In the very 4th minute, Kapil Hoble was well positioned at the edge of the box to latch on a thundering left footer, which was brilliantly parried away by Signals keeper Binu at the expense of a corner.
And after much probing in the 45th minute, Goan FC’s defender Meldon D’Silva sent a long ball to his striker Lalawmpuia, who stylishly chested the ball and drilled a scorching right-footer which was once again brilliantly collected by keeper Binu.
On crossing over, plenty of action was witnessed where the Young Gaurs, after missing two scoring chances, finally took the lead. In the 54th minute, a long free kick by Imran Khan right inside the 6-yard box saw Nestor Dias’ sliding tap travel out. In the very next minute, Imran’s cross saw Kapil Hoble’s header being punched for a corner by keeper Binu. However, in the 62nd minute, keeper Binu could do very little to stop a 30-yard grounder from Hayden Fernandes from entering the goal, 1-0.
Down by a goal, the Army men went all out in search of the equaliser but luck did not smile for them. In the 67th minute, Nim Tshering Bhutia’s free kick travelled to Kuldeep Kumar whose excellent header hit the
upright.
Four minutes later, U-20 player Brivon Dias’ strike from close was blocked by keeper Shubam Dhas and the ball rolled to Harshad Thube, whose placement rebounded of the goal post to the disbelief of the team-mates and supporters.
The Young Gaurs almost extended their lead in the 80th minute when Imran set up Lalawmpuia inside the goal area but his strike was superbly blocked for a corner by keeper Binu.
PLAYING TODAY
Goa Professional League: Bardez Football Club vs Salgaocar FC, Duler stadium, 4 pm
