PANAJI
Goals from captain Rayan Menezes and Malsawmtluanga helped the FC Goa developmental team draw 2-2 against Churchill Brothers in the GFA TACA Goa U-20 First Division League on Monday.
FC Goa developmental team head coach Deggie Cardozo made two changes to the squad that won against Panjim Footballers last Friday, as Aditya Salgaonkar and Anthony Fernandes replaced Delzan Passanha and Jovial Dias respectively.
Churchill Brothers started the match on the front foot and were rewarded as early as the 9th minute through an unfortunate own goal by Rayan Menezes. FC Goa, however, did not panic after conceding the early goal as they stuck to their playing style and steadily built their momentum.
In the 39th minute came the equaliser as Rayan made amends for his own goal by finding the back of the net with a free-kick. His shot deflected off the wall and flew into the net, deceiving the opponents’ goalkeeper. Five minutes later, Cardozo’s boys had the lead through Malsawmtluanga, who fired in from close range to give his team the upper hand heading into half-time.
Returning after the break, Churchill Brothers tried their best to restore parity on the scoresheet. Their efforts were finally rewarded in the 83rd minute, when Lauren Fernandes beat FC Goa shot-stopper Bob Jackson with a solid strike. The goal also proved to be the final action of the second half as both teams returned home with a point each.
The FC Goa developmental team will return to action in the GFA TACA Goa U20 First Division League on May 27, when they take on Sesa Football Academy at the Salvador do Mundo Panchayat Ground.
