the goan I network
MARGAO
A determined Guardian Angel Sports Club, Curchorem fought hard to recover in time and snatch a 2-2 draw against Churchill Brothers Football Club in a GFA Professional League match at Rosary ground, Navelim on Sunday. The teams were tied 1-1
at half time.
Churchill Brothers dominated the early proceedings and enjoyed better ball possession. However, the first notable move came at the other end when Guardian Angel midfielder Allwyn Vaz uleashed a snap shot but it was well blocked by Churchill keeper Kunzang Bhutia. After the minor score, Churchill launched a series of attacks and came close to surging ahead when captain Nicholas Fernandes beat his markers but Guardian Angel goalkeeper Ozen Silva came to his side’s rescue by foiling him in the nick of time.
Guardian Angel conceded in the 37th minute when wing back Nickson Castana’s free kick gave no chance to Ozen Silva in goal. The goal triggered a positive response from Guardain Angel as they went on the offensive with midfielder Micky Vaz orchestrating moves from the centre. However, Churchill were impressive in defence and did not allow the opposition attackers any space to manoeuvre inside the box.
Guardain Angel though found an equaliser in the first minute of stoppage time of the first half when Micky Vaz’s free kick forced a hasty clearance from a Churchill defender and the ball fell to striker Alvito Miranda, who pushed the ball in to put his team on equal terms.
Churchill continued to use their attacking prowess in the second half and in the 53rd minute, Nickson Castana found the roof of the net with a superb free kick from outside the penalty box to regain the lead. Spurred by the lead, Churchill looked to score more goals and three minutes later missed a great chance to score again after striker Uttam Rai missed a penalty. Rival midfielder Precio D’Souza fouled Nicholas Fernandes inside the penalty box and Churchill were awarded a spot kick. Uttam Rai however ballooned his attempt.
The missed chance proved costly for Churchill as they themselves conceded a penalty and Guardian Angel capitalised. The spot kick was given after goalkeeper Kunzang Bhutia lost the flight of the ball in the box and committed a foul on opposition striker Sunny Fernandes, who was trying to head the ball in. Referee David Rebello awarded a penalty and also flashed a yellow card to Bhutia. Midfielder Nicholas Rodrigues converted the spot kick, sending the Churchill goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 2-2.
Churchill Brothers did find more chances to clinch the winner but Uttam Rai, Chester Paul Lyngodh and substute Lamgoulen Hangshing were guilty of missing the mark.
