PANAJI
FC Goa displayed their attacking prowess to secure a convincing 2-0 victory over local rivals Dempo SC in the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy on Thursday.
Akash Oraow and Mallikjan Kalegar found the net for the 'Gaurs' at the Duler Stadium in a match dominated by the Indian Super League outfit.
FC Goa wasted no time in asserting their dominance. Aditya Salgaonkar's perfectly weighted lob found Oraow in the box, who displayed composure to slot the ball past the Dempo SC custodian for the early lead. The young forward nearly doubled his tally soon after, dribbling past the Dempo right-back, but his curled effort sailed just wide.
Dempo SC struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half, with FC Goa's defense effectively marshalling their attacks. The Goan giants almost extended their lead before the break through Prachit Gaonkar's long-range effort, but Dempo SC goalkeeper Myrick Hilario produced a timely punch to deny the danger.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Vellington Fernandes unleashed a powerful half-volley, but a Dempo defender blocked it. Fortunately for FC Goa, the loose ball fell to Kalegar, who rose above the defense to head home and double their advantage.
Kerala Blasters produced a dominant attacking display to thrash Panjim Footballers 5-0. Sreekuttan's clinical hat-trick spearheaded the emphatic win at Duler Stadium, while Muhammed Nisham and Sukham Meitei added further goals for the Indian Super League side.
Sreekuttan wasted no time in putting Kerala Blasters ahead. He latched onto Thingujam Singh's through ball and fired past the Panjim goalkeeper to open the scoring in the early minutes. The visitors doubled their lead in the 27th minute through a brilliant half-volley from Muhammed Nisham.
Panjim Footballers' woes deepened shortly before halftime when their substitute goalkeeper, Pratik Kankonkar, was shown a red card for a reckless challenge. Kerala Blasters capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Sreekuttan completing his brace from Ebindas' assist.
Ebindas continued to torment the Panjim defense, setting up Sukham Meitei for a stunning long-range strike that left the Panjim custodian with no chance. Kerala Blasters led 4-0 at the break.
The second half was a one-sided affair. Sreekuttan completed his hat-trick early in the second period, converting a pass from Rehan Rajeev. Rehan nearly added another himself but his effort rattled the crossbar.
Panjim Footballers' misery was compounded when Ajay Raj's header struck the woodwork. Their hopes of a comeback were extinguished when substitute goalkeeper Pratik Kankonkar was shown a red card for a rash challenge.
Tempers flared in stoppage time, resulting in straight red cards for Panjim's Mackenzie Figueiredo and Kerala's Rehan Rajeev following a physical altercation.
