Panaji
The Curchorem side became the first team to qualify for the knock-outs after collecting seven points from three matches. Bonny Niasso and sub Sanwil D’Costa were the other goal scorers for the winners while Peter Carvalho netted a brace for Bardez.
Guardian Angel Coach Riston Rodrigues made one change in his side introducing Josley Dias in place of Nicholas Fernandes while FC Badez Coach Climax Lawrence made no changes in the line up from his previous game.
Riding on support of their vociferous fans, Guardian Angel SC took control of the game from the first whistle. The Curchorem side tested the North Goa team on several occasions in the first quarter before taking the much deserved lead.
First, Ashely Araujo saw his right footer saved by FC Bardez keeper Jeet Gupta while minutes later Bonny Niasso’s goal bound shot took the deflection of the rival defender and went out for a corner.
Guardian Angel finally broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, when Josley Dias and Bonny Dias broke the Bardez defence with quick passes before the latter fired a low shot in the far corner, 1-0.
Guardian Angel SC showed no sign of content as they pressed in search for their second and almost scored in the 16th minute, only to see Ashley’s shot hit the woodwork.
At the other end, FC Bardez equalised in the next minute when Guardian Angel keeper failed to collect ShubhamDessai’s shot which rolled into Peter Carvalho’s path and the skipper finished with a simple shot to draw level.
Guardian Angel SC found themselves on the back foot in the final minutes of the first half. However, Guardian Angel keeper Pratheesh VV made a stunning save on a one-on situation to deny FC Bardez’sShubham.
Guardian Angel began the second half on an attacking note with Benze Clemente’s shot missing the post by inches. The Curchorem side were awarded a penalty in the 47th minute when FC Bardez’ sAlesh late challenge on Don Bosco in the box forced referee point towards the spot. Micky stepped up to take the kick and made no mistake to put Guardian Angel ahead.
FC Bardez drew level in the 51st minute when Peter Carvalho capitalised on Guardian Angel defensive mix to complete his brace. However, FC Bardez were stunned in the very next minute when Micky scored a stunning goal from the centre kick to put his team back into the lead.
Second half substitute Sanwil scored the team’s fourth goal in the 58th minute with a beautiful volley which crashed into FC Bardez nets off Benzu’s assist, 4-2. Guardian Angel SC’s Micky bagged the Man-of-the-Match award.
Riston Rodgrigues, coach of Guardian Angel SC was extremely pleased with his team’s performance. “I thought we could have converted some more goals; but the boys played well to come back with a bang. In the second half, I told the boys to remain calm and focused. It worked wonders as our supporters too were rallying behind us throughout the match,” said Riston.
“We are the first semi-finalist of the Goa Sevens Premier League and I am looking forward to winning our upcoming matches,” said Riston.
Climax Lawrence, coach of FC Bardez was upset that his “boys failed to defend and missed out on easy goals”. “They played their hearts out,”
said Climax.
