MARGAO
Malsawmtluanga scored in stoppage time to help FC Goa register a 1-0 win over Sporting Clube de Goa in Goa Professional League, Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Monday.
Both FC Goa and Sporting Clube remain on three points each after two games.
The match had its fair share of near-misses and opportunities. Sporting Clube had a golden chance when Myron delivered a tantalising ball into the penalty area, but Rohan Rodrigues failed to connect, allowing the keeper to collect the ball. Sporting Clube's hopes were further dashed when Alton Vaz's towering header from a corner sailed high over the crossbar.
At the half-hour mark, FC Goa nearly broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion. Lemmet Tangvah and Malsawmtluanga displayed brilliant one-touch passing, with the latter beating the keeper. Unfortunately for FC Goa, Malsawmtluanga's final shot narrowly missed the post with no one in goal, marking one of the biggest misses in the league.
FC Goa continued to press forward with Vellington Fernandes putting Ameen Attar through on goal. With only the Sporting Clube keeper Manjunath to beat, Attar failed to find the back of the net, leaving spectators wondering whether it was the keeper's brilliance or Attar's poor shot that kept the scores level. FC Goa's Bryson Pereira attempted a low shot after venturing into Sporting Clube territory but lacked the necessary bend in his effort.
The second half saw Saish Gaunkar come on as a substitute for FC Goa, and he had a goal-bound shot blocked by Myron, forcing a corner. From the ensuing corner kick, FC Goa came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock when Reezvon Fernandes saw his header strike the crossbar, only for it to be cleared by a Sporting Clube defender. Sporting Clube's Lloyd had a notable moment with a bending shot that eluded the keeper but also the goal.
Sporting Clube’s Liston on the right flank had an impressive performance, delivering a brilliant ball into the box for Vidipt, but the latter failed to make any contact. The match's defining moment arrived in stoppage time when Akash Oraow delivered a precise low cross into the goalmouth. Malsawmtluanga remained composed and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner, leaving Sporting Clube keeper Manjunath with no chance.
Malsawmtluanga was named the Player of the Match and FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez presented the Player of the Match award to him.
