PANAJI
Velsao Sports and Cultural Club recorded a thrilling 4-2 win over Panjim Footballers in the Goa Football Association Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Sunday.
Ronil Azavedo and James Fernandes scored a brace each for Velsao while Akash Sanadi and Janio Fernandes were the goal-getters for the losing side.
Panjim Footballers broke the deadlock in the eighth minute after testing the rival keeper Jeet Gupta in the early moments of the game where the latter was forced to keep out Akash’s shot. However, after missing early chances, Franky snatched the ball from Velito Cruz and played a pass to Akash. This time Jeep couldn’t stop Akash’s shot as the capital side led 1-0.
At the other end, Velsao SCC came with an instant response restoring parity in the next minute through Ronil, who capitalized on Panjim defensive error.
In the 16th minute, Velsao SCC took the lead when Chandel Fernandes whipped in a perfect delivery which was nodded in by James Fernandes. Velsao SCC continued to pressurize the rival defence. Cajetan Fernandes’ powerful strike was kept out of the goal by Panjim Footballers’ goalkeeper. Later James missed scoring from close
range.
However, in the first half added time, James scored the team’s third goal to give them a comfortable 3-1 lead at the break.
As expected, Panjim started stronger in the second session and were successful in reducing the deficit. Krishna Gawas played a through pass to Janio Fernandes, whose shot from close had no answer from the rival keeper.
Velsao SCC scored their fourth goal in the stoppage time and it was a brilliant goal from Ronil where the lad dribbled past a couple of Panjim defenders including the keeper and coolly scored the team’s fourth goal and sealed all three points.
