MARGAO
Guardian Angel SC scored twice in stoppage time to register a thrilling 2-1 win over Vasco SC in the GFA Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Friday.
Gilbert Oliveira and Joel Barreto scored for Guardian Angel SC while Denvil Fernandes netted the opener for Vasco SC.
The match started with both teams creating opportunities, but the finishing touch was elusive. Vasco's Rafael Fernandes delivered a couple of tantalising crosses, but Samuel D'Souza failed to connect on both occasions. Guardian Angel's Joywin Costa thought he had broken the deadlock with a goal, but it was disallowed for a handball in the box.
The turning point came in the 65th minute when Vasco finally found the back of the net. Chadel played a pinpoint pass to Denvil Fernandes, who displayed incredible skill on the right flank to cut past a rival defender before unleashing a fierce shot past the goalkeeper, giving Vasco the lead.
Vasco had a chance to double their advantage when Francis played a through pass to Chadel, who squared the ball to Denvil once again. Denvil had space but was denied by a brilliant save from Guardian Angel's Oswin Rodrigues. Samuel attempted a lobbed shot on the rebound but it was safely collected by the keeper.
Vasco were then awarded a penalty kick after a handball by Akram Yadwad inside the Guardian Angel box. However, Rafael Fernandes fired the spot kick wide, much to the disappointment of the Vasco faithful.
With time running out, Guardian Angel mounted a dramatic comeback. In the 90+1 minute, Joel Barreto exploited a gap in Vasco's defence, beating the offside trap and expertly lobbing the ball over the onrushing keeper to level the score. The climax of the thrilling encounter came in stoppage time when Guardian Angel earned a direct freekick. Gilbert Oliveira stepped up and unleashed a thunderous strike that left the rival keeper with no chance, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory.
Denvil Fernandes of Vasco SC was named the player of the match for his outstanding performance. The award was presented by GFA Executive Committee member Sanjeev Nagvekar.
