PANAJI
Youth Club of Manora recorded a narrow 1-0 win over Calangute Association in the Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Sunday.
Sweden Barbosa scored the lone goal of the game in the 13th minute. Manora’s attack comprising Sweden, Nicklas Noronha and Eldon Colaco proved effective as the trio with their pace and trickery created trouble for Calangute Association.
It didn’t take long for them to take the lead as in the 13th minute, Nicklas ran down the right flank and sent a powerful low shot which was blocked by keeper Paramveer Singh. However, Sweden was there in the right place to pounce on the loose ball to score from close range, 1-0. Just before the breather, Manora had an opportunity to inflate their tally when Eldon Colaco set up Joston outside the box but the latter’s attempt went into the stands.
In the second half, in the 50th minute, Frazer Viegas on getting the ball outside the box, got on to his preferred right foot and struck a shot which beat the keeper but narrowly missed the target. Calangute were more lively in the second half, taking the game to the opposition and pressed in search of the equaliser. However, Manora’s organised defence threw their bodies on the line to thwart any danger.
In the 64th minute, Calvin Barreto’s low driven shot from a direct free-kick was easily collected by the Manora goalkeeper. At the other end, Manora nearly doubled the lead in the 65th minute from a quick counter attack led by Aniston Fernandes, who moved the ball in the midfield to Barbosa, who played a defence-splitting pass to Sweden. However, Calangute keeper Paramveer Singh made himself large to block Sweden’s one-on-one attempt.
In the injury time, Calangute were handed a chance to get the equaliser when Chetan was brought down just outside the box by Barbosa. However, Calvin Barreto’s chip shot missed the frame by inches.
