PANAJI
FC Goa were held to a 1-1 draw by Velsao Sports and Cultural Club in the Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Monday.
By virtue of the result, FC Goa -- unbeaten in the competition after four games -- move to the top of the table with eight points, while Velsao SCC remain on four points after five games.
FC Goa had early chances in the game when Muhammed Nemil managed to find Jovial Dias with a neat pass, but the latter shot way off target. At the other end, Velsao SCC stunned the opponents by scoring in a quick counter-attack in the 21st minute as K Vinoth scored past FC Goa custodian Hrithik Tiwari to put his team ahead in the game. There wasn’t much action in the first half, as the play was restricted to a midfield battle.
In the second half, FC Goa managed to restore parity in the 52nd minute through Vasim Inamdar. Lalremruata HP sent a pass to Nemil on the left flank, who managed to break past the rival defence and struck a shot at goal. Inamdar directed the ball into the goal with a fine touch with the rival keeper left flat-footed.
After scoring the goal, it looked like FC Goa would walk away with full points but they struggled to get past the Velsao defence line. FC Goa's Nemil bagged the Man of the match award.
