PANAJI
Vasco Sports Club got off to a perfect start in the Goa Football Association Selvel Goa Professional League as they scored a comfortable 2-0 win over Churchill Brothers FC (Reserves) at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Saturday.
Joaquim Abranches (9’) and Mathew Colaco (69’) scored a goal each for the Port Towners.
Vasco fielded a strong XI with Abranches and Francis Fernandes starting the game and they took the lead early when a poor pass from Churchill goalkeeper to Sumer Sehgal was intercepted by Desmon Gama and he sent a low cross in the box to Abranches, who slotted home from close. Churchill nearly came with an instant reply when Mauvin Borges sent in a perfect delivery to Clinton Niasso, whose touch proved too heavy and the ball sailed over the bar.
The first half saw more of a midfield battle but once again Churchill went close to finding the equaliser when Borges, on entering the box, attempted a shot at goal but it was saved by Vasco custodian Sanju Thapa.
The reserve side of the Red Machines made a strong start to the second session. Ginminthang Hanging played a pass to Jouston Barbosa, but his shot was blocked by Vasco defender Kuldeep Kumar.
Churchill had their chances but they couldn’t get the desired goal. Niasso was sloppy upfront and he wasted yet another chance when he attempted a weak shot from inside the box which created no problem for Thapa.
At the other end, Vasco scored the second goal when Denil Rebello played a lofted pass to Colaco, who then lobbed the ball over the onrushing Churchill Brothers custodian, 2-0.
Churchill missed a couple of chances in the dying minutes of the game through Bersal Viegas and Trijoy Dias.
