PANAJI
Clube De Salgaocar and Geno FC settled for a 1-1 draw in a dramatic opening clash of the Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium on Saturday. Boinao Singh put Salgaocar ahead in the 67th minute, but Geno FC's substitute Nigel Fernandes rescued a point deep into stoppage time.
The first half saw Geno’s Flan Gomes dictating play in midfield, gliding past Salgaocar’s defense with sharp one-two combinations, though Franky Oliveira’s shot was cleared by a well-positioned Salgaocar defense. At the other end, Salgaocar nearly capitalized when Royal Oliveira fed Boinao Singh down the flank, whose delivery to Salvador Gama went begging as Gama's attempt missed the target.
Geno were inches away from taking the lead when Sidney Gauncar unleashed a long-range effort, only to be denied by the crossbar. Salgaocar responded just before halftime with a promising chance, but Boinao Singh’s shot from the edge of the box was comfortably handled by Geno keeper Savio Pereira.
The second half saw Geno make a tactical shift, introducing Mehbub Hublikar and Nigel Fernandes. The changes sparked a positive impact, with Fernandes creating havoc down the left. He nearly assisted a goal when he set up Sheldon with a perfect pass, but Sheldon’s open-net miss was a huge let-off for Salgaocar.
Despite Geno's growing control, Salgaocar struck first. Against the run of play, Royal Oliveira’s pinpoint diagonal pass found Boinao Singh, who stretched to fire home past Geno keeper Savio Pereira in the 67th minute, marking the first goal of the Goa Pro League season.
Geno refused to fold, pushing for an equalizer as the clock ticked down. Their persistence paid off in the dying moments when Nigel Fernandes leveled the score in the 95th minute. The late drama ensured the points were shared, with both teams taking one apiece in the opening encounter.
