PANAJI
Minesh Kunkolkar scored the lone goal as Sesa FA recorded a crucial win against Panjim Footballers in the Goa Football Association Selvel Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Thursday.
Panjim Footballers started brightly and had coupe of attempts at the rival goal. First Joyson Gauncar tried a long range shot which was pushed for a corner by Roanal Gauncar. The Sesa custodian then denied Llyod Cardozo from inside the box.
When you miss easy chances, you get punished and that’s exactly what happened to Panjim as Sesa FA took the lead in the 19th minute when Myron Pereira headed in a Sameer Kashyap free-kick which Panjim keeper Preston Rego failed to collect and the ball rolled to Minesh, who scored with a simple tap-in.
Panjim kept pushing for the equaliser but just couldn’t get the ball behind the net. Llyod played a diagonal pass to Joyson Gauncar, whose shot narrowly missed the mark. Sesa FC custodian made it difficult for Panjim side to get the goal.
At the other end, Sesa FA’s Faheez Mohammed dribbled past a couple of rival defenders and had a shot at goal which was easily collect by Preston.
Panjim failed to score just before the breather when Pandurang Gauns fed Llyod but the last named failed to make any good of the opportunity.
Knowing that only a win would secure their their stay in the competition for next season, Panjim Footballers kept trying to get the equaliser. They added extra men to attack but Sesa FA defence stood strong.
In the 66th minute, Sesa FA nearly scored their second when Sameer Kashyap on getting into the area played a cut back pass to Kunal Salgaocar, who took a first time shot from a tight angle, but Preston Rego was in the right place to block the attempt.
Sesa’s Sameer Kashyap had an attempt from Kashyap which swayed over the bar.
Panjim Footballers had a chance to score from a free kick as second half substitute Aksah Sanadi fired a set-piece on target, but Sesa FA keeper Roanal Gaunkar anticipated and kept the ball out of the frame.
Sesa FA nearly sealed the game in the 89th minute when Faheez Mohammed danced his way into the area but much to his dismay his shot was straight to the keeper.
