PANAJI
Salgaocar FC began their Goa Football Association Selvel Goa Professional League with a fluent 2-0 win at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Wednesday.
The Greens scored a goal in either halves through Saeesh Halarnkar (38’) and Stephen Satarkar (90’) to ensure three points.
Salgaocar FC coach started with experienced Jason D’Mello in goal with Daniel Gomes and Flagan Rodrigues in the back. Ribhav Sardesai, now turned senior, started along with Valentinho Nazareth in the midfield. With Devendra Murgaonkar leaving in summer, Steflon D’Costa was handed the charge to get the goals.
For FC Goa, they had an experienced core with Antonio Da Silva guarding the frame. Brian Faria in defence and new signee Delton Colaco in the mid while Aaren played as a lone striker.
The teams started cautiously, but it was the Greens who had the first real chance in the eight minute when Brisen Fernandes read Vasim Inamdar’s run in the box and played a perfect lob ball for the last name.
FC Goa then took total control of the game with their midfielders outplaying the Greens. However, they were dealt with a blow in the 38th minute when their defender Malsawmtluanga Ralte handled a Perry Pereira’s cross inside the box. Saeesh Halarnkar smashed the ball in the far right, past the diving Antonio.
Salgaocar nearly doubled the lead in the 40th minute. Saeesh set Steflon on the right flank, who got past his marker, and shot at the goal from a tight angle. Keeper Antonio made a great save only to see the rebound fall straight to Valentinho, but the last name shot out of frame with no one between him and the goal.
With 10 minutes to go, FC Goa were forced to play with 10 men after first half substitute Nestor Dias, limped off the pitch after picking up a knock. A second half sub, made amends in the 90th minute when he secured full points for The Greens with the team’s second. Stephen on getting the ball in the area took a first time shot which took a slight deflection off a FC Goa defender and landed over the keeper Antonio, 2-0.
