MARGAO
Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club defeated Mandopa Sporting Club, Mandopa 2-1 in the GFA'S First Division league at Rosary Ground, Navelim on Friday.
The first half witnessed a series of near misses and opportunities for both teams.
Sao Jose de Areal first chance came early on the half when Omkar Gaunkar delivered a precise pass inside the box to Reagan Costa but the latter failed to collect the ball properly, missing a golden opportunity.
As the first half concluded, Sao Jose de Areal faced a heart-breaking moment when a perfectly executed shot found the back of the net only for the joy to be short-lived as the off-side whistle was blown. The score remained deadlocked at 0-0.
The second half kicked off with Sao Jose de Areal forwards taking the lead as they out maneuvered the Mandopa defence. Leaosan Fernandes slotted the ball into the right corner putting Sao Jose de Areal ahead in the 49th minute. Undetered by the lead, Mandopa Sporting Club went into attacking mode and defender Rovan Pereira found the net in the 63rd minute.
In a dramatic turn of events late in the game, Sao Jose de Areal managed to find the match winner through Rayman Fernandes in the 84th minute.
In another match, a late injury goal from Amit Pundalik Naik rescued a point for Nuvem Sports Club in a 1-1 draw against Santa Cruz Club of Cavelosssim at SAG Trinity ground, Benaulim. Asfin Pinto broke the deadlock for Cavelossim in the 71st minute.
