PANAJI
Geno FC eased past Goa Police 2-0 in the Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Monday.
Krishna Gawas opened the scoring in the 39th minute, capitalizing on a misjudged punch by the Police goalkeeper to head in Mehbub Hublikar's cross. In the second half, Prajat doubled the lead, intercepting a back pass, rounding the keeper, and finishing into an empty net.
Fresh off a victory over Guardian Angel, Geno coach Yash Nagwe opted for a single tweak to his lineup, bringing in Lenstan Afonso to bolster the backline in place of George Dsouza. Meanwhile, Goa Police coach Swanand Naik, looking to bounce back from a defeat to FC Goa, made one adjustment of his own, introducing Prajwal Ghadi at left-back to replace Chirag Kouthankar.
Geno came out firing in the opening 15 minutes, launching relentless attacks in search of an early breakthrough, but the resolute Goa Police defense stood firm to repel every threat.
The breakthrough nearly came moments later when a perfectly threaded through ball set up Arun Naik in a one-on-one situation with the Police goalkeeper. However, Naik’s low-driven effort was brilliantly denied by the alert custodian, keeping the game level.
Geno seized the lead in the 39th minute through Krishna Gawas’ clinical finish. Mehbub Hublikar delivered a pinpoint cross from the left flank into the danger area, catching the Goa Police goalkeeper off guard as he misjudged his punch. Gawas, positioned perfectly at the far post, rose above the defense to head home, handing Geno a crucial advantage just before halftime.
Geno came close to doubling their advantage early in the second half when Niraj Parekh drilled a low pass into the six-yard box. Arun Naik was well-placed to capitalize but failed to find the target, sending his effort well off course.
Geno doubled their lead moments later through Prajat, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. Nigel Fernandes threaded a through ball intended for Prajat, but a Goa Police defender intercepted it and attempted a back pass to the goalkeeper. The pass, however, was underhit, allowing Prajat to continue his run, steal possession, round the goalkeeper, and slot it into an empty net with ease.
Goa Police pressed relentlessly in search of an equalizer, but Geno's resolute defense stood tall, securing a commanding 2-0 victory.
