MARGAO
New entrants Geno Football Club played a 1-1 draw against Churchill Brothers FC in the GFA Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Saturday.
While Sahil Inamdar had put Geno FC ahead in the game, substitute Fhezer Gomes netted the equaliaer for Churchill Bros.
The game began with early chances for both teams. Churchill’s Bradley unleashed a powerful shot that narrowly missed the target, setting the tone for an action-packed encounter. Churchill Brothers were eager to make their mark and they came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock from a setpiece. Hayden's corner kick found Aniket Kerkar in a promising position, but he couldn't steer his shot on target, a missed opportunity that would later haunt them.
Geno FC had their moments as well. A corner fell to Sahil Inamdar inside the box, but he couldn't keep his shot on target, squandering a golden opportunity to put his team in front. The near-misses continued when Churchill Brothers' Jobern Cardozo tried his luck from the edge of the box, but his effort narrowly missed the mark.
Just before half-time, Geno FC had the best chance of the half. Aryan Chauhan found himself through on goal, but his early strike from the edge of the box went well wide, leaving the game goalless at the break.
The second half brought more drama, with Geno FC awarded a penalty in the 53rd minute. Vanlalmawia brought down Jachi inside the box, and Sahil Inamdar calmly converted from the spot to give them the lead.
Churchill Brothers fought back relentlessly, with Alent Colaco and Hayden testing Geno FC goalkeeper Akshat Hadkonkar with long-range shots. Akshat pulled off a remarkable save to deny Aniket's header from a corner and continued his heroics, blocking Hayden's long-range effort within minutes.
Churchill Brothers' persistence finally paid off in the 77th minute when Mackenzie Fernandes delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. An unmarked Fhezer Gomes headed the ball home at the far post, leaving Geno FC keeper with no chance, 1-1.
GFA Executive Committee member Laximan presented the Player of the Match award to Geno FC’s Akshat.
