MARGAO
A second half injury time goal from midfielder Joebern Cardozo enabled Goa overcome Gujarat 1-1 in Group A of 57th National Football Championship, at SAG Trinity ground, Benaulim, on Friday
Goa started with an aggressive approach but missed early scoring chances through Trijoy Dias and Dattaraj Gaonkar in the first ten minutes.
Gujarat who lost their first league match played their second league match with intensity and created their first dangerous move in the 12th minute but Chunsaba Dariam lost his control and failed to find the target.
Goa had an opportunity to take the lead in the first session but Selwyn Miranda’s powerful header just missed the target after Clive Miranda's cross. Goa’s goalkeeper Antonio Da Silva excelled in the first session made a splendid save which denied Chunsaba Dariam from taking the lead. His powerful shot from the top of the box was fisted away to safety by Da Silva.
Goa started their second session with an attacking brand but missed scoring chances at the start through Selwyn Mirnda, Joebern Cardozo and Deeshank Kunkalikar. Earlier, a dangerous move of Lloyd Cardozo was foiled by defender Rudrarajsinh Jadeja. It was the hard working skipper Chunsaba Dariam who gave Gujarat the lead off a free-kick which beat Goa’s agile goalkeeper Antonio Da Silva who misjudged the flight of the ball .
Shocked by the set-back, Goa increased the pace of the match and created many moves from the both flanks but didn't bear anyresults.
Substitute Chaitan Komarpant’s free kick was fisted away by goalkeeper Avikumar Joshi. Later, Trijoy Dias, Joebern Cardozo and Necio Fernandes had goal-scoring opportunities.
Gujarat, resilient in defense, posed a threat through set pieces. In the 36th minute, Chunsaba's freekick forced a spectacular save from Goa's keeper Dylan, showcasing his acrobatic skills.
As the game neared its end, Goa intensified their attacks. Jobern Cardozo had a golden opportunity in a one-on-one situation, but Gujarat's keeper pulled off a remarkable save. Moments later, he denied Necio's goal-bound shot with a diving block, ensuring Gujarat's lead remained intact.
However, Goa's persistence paid off in the dying moments of the match. Joseph Clemente's precise long ball from their own half found Jobern Cardozo, who calmly slotted the ball past the onrushing keeper, sparking wild celebrations among the Goa supporters.
