PANAJI
Cortalim Villagers were denied an opportunity to go two points clear at the top of the Goa Professional League after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Churchill Brothers FC at Duler Stadium, Mapusa.
The result left the newly promoted team in the GPL in second position, tied on points with leaders Pax of Nagoa (38). Meanwhile, Sesa FA, who scored an 87th-minute match-winner against Panjim Footballers, moved into the top four, securing 36 points from 20 games.
At Duler Stadium, there was plenty of action throughout the game. Despite the score reflecting a different story with a 1-1 draw, the energy was high right from the first whistle. Both teams threw bodies on the line, charged for every ball, and pressed the opponents, giving the fans exciting football.
However, Cortalim Villagers were the first to break the deadlock just before halftime through Jaison Vaz, who scored from inside the box after Cyril Dias sent in a low cross from inside the area.
In the second half, both sides were reduced to 10 players after the referee flashed red cards to Churchill Bros’ Trijoy Dias and Cortalim Villagers’ Sydney Lucas in the 65th minute. Haokip had the best chance to draw level in the 80th minute; however, his shot from the edge of the box narrowly missed the side post.
Churchill Brothers managed to restore parity with just five minutes left on the clock when Jobern Cardozo tried his luck with a shot which was poorly dealt with by the Cortalim keeper Francis Vincent. The ball fell into Haokip’s path, who scored to make it 1-1.
Meanwhile, at Sirsaim ground, Joshua D’Silva scored his 18th goal of the season, netting the match-winner for Sesa FA in the 87th minute against Panjim Footballers.
