MARGAO
Hosts Goa notched up a narrow 1-0 victory over Chhattisgarh in their inaugural match of the 77th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy 2023-24 Group Stage at SAG Ground, Benaulim on Monday.
Backed by the home crowd, Goa began on the front foot, making early sorties in the rival penalty box. They kicked off the proceedings with an early chance that saw midfielder Selwyn Miranda shoot wide in the 17th minute off a cross from Trijoy Dias.
Goa adopted a wait-and-watch approach initially and soon turned up the heat. In the 27th minute, Vellington Fernandes orchestrated a brilliant through ball to striker Llyod Cardozo but he shot wide much to the dismay of Goan supporters.
Goa muffed a golden chance in the 34th minute when the referee awarded a spot kick after Joebern Cardozo was brought down by rival defender Ramesh Kumar Nureti inside the penalty box. Referee Manjeet Singh had no hesitation in awarding the penalty. However, Clive Miranda shot wide from the spot, much to the disbelief of Goa supporters.
At the other end, the visitors came close to breaking the deadlock but Goa goalkeeper Antonio Dylan Inacio Da Silva came to his side's rescue by palming away a try by Lokesh Kumar Nishad.
The hosts dominated the most part of the first half but lacked the killer instinct inside the rival penalty box as they failed to convert the scoring opportunities. Defender Clive Miranda’s long-ranger missed the target by a whisker in the 27th minute. Chhattisgarh goalkeeper Naveen Naik also made some brilliant saves in the first session. Goa missed scoring chances through Trijoy Dias and Selwyn Miranda, who failed to score from close range.
Goa continued to apply pressure, making penetrating moves and keeping the Chhattisgarh defence on their toes. Goa created umpteen scoring chances but shots by forwards Llyod Cardozo and Trijoy Dias flew over the crossbar. Goa coach Derrick Pereira brought in fresh legs and the players did not disappoint the coach.
The breakthrough finally came late in the second half when Trijoy atoned for his earlier misses as he headed home off a cross from Vinay Vijay Harji, much to the delight of Goan fans. Goa secured a 1-0 victory, kicking off their campaign with three crucial points.
Before the kick-off, Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas and Cavelossim Sarpanch Dixon Vaz were introduced to the teams by Goa Football Association president Dr Caitano Fernandes.
