the goan I network
MARGAO
A 24th-minute strike by Jesloy Moniz sealed a narrow 1-0 win for Youth Club of Manora over Sesa Football Academy in the Geno GFA First Division League at SAG Artificial Turf, Fatorda on Thursday.
Both sides continued to create chances but were unlucky with their finishing throughout the game. As the match progressed, Sesa Football Academy had a chance to surge ahead when Kunal Salgaocar tried to outwit the rival goalkeeper but his try went over the crossbar early in the game. Jesloy Moniz found the luck in front of goal in the 24th minute when attacking midfielder Francis Andrade in a counter attack found the former, who unleashed a blistering shot to send the Manora supporters into raptures.
Spurred by the lead, Youth Club of Manora upped the ante and had a wonderful opportunity to double the lead when Miguel Barretto tried to beat Sesa keeper Roanal Gaonkar but missed the gilt edged chance when he blew over crossbar from three yards out. Youth Club of Manora had another chance when Francis Andrade floated a flag kick in the path of Minguel Baretto, who however shot wide from close range.
Down by 0-1, Sesa Football Academy regrouped and a well executed free kick taken by Dhiraj Chouhan was thwarted by the rival defence. Sesa Football Academy had another chance to level the score when Anil Chavan delivered a good cross to Caitan Fernandes, who failed to beat the rival goalkeeper in a one-to-one situation. Earlier, Benson Fernandes’s snap shot was palmed away by the rival goalkeeper.
Crossing over, Sesa Football Academy went all out and pressed hard for the equaliser with their forwards showing urgency. However, Youth Club of Manora defenders stood tall in protecting their slender lead. Sesa Football Academy nearly found the leveller when Vishnu Gosavi sent a goal-bound cross with the rival goalkeeper wrong-footed but Manjunath Rathond’s try was well foiled by rival defender Valito Miranda.
Thereafter Sesa were kept alive in the game by substitute Roanal who saved shots from Jaison Fernandes and Francis Andrade. With time running out, Sesa Football Academy went all out but could not find the match-levelling goal.
At Sirsaim ground, St Savio Sports Club, Calnagute downed Goa Police 2-1. The win for the Calangute outfit makes the title race more intriguing as Cuncolim Union and Velsao Sports and Cultural Club have now pitch-forked at the top.
Ashley lobo converted a spot kick after Allister Fernandes was brought down by a rival defender inside the penalty box. Mouzan Shaikh neutralised the lead in the second half off a Milind Shinde assist. Jersoe Olveira headed home off Rovan Fernandes floater for the winner.
