MARGAO
Sesa Football Academy rallied to hold Churchill Brothers 2-2 in the GFA Professional League at Nagoa Panchayat Sports Complex on Wednesday. Churchill led 2-1 at half-time.
It was a cagey start to the match with no clear chances. The first big chance came in the 28th minute through a spot kick when Churchill's Trijoy Dias was fouled by Sesa defender Daniel Gomes in the penalty box and referee Mizio Peixoto awarded a penalty kick. Midfielder Schubert Pereira sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to score.
Stung by the setback, Sesa regrouped quickly and their striker Mohammed Faheez, Aston Joel Rodrigues and Thokchom Bechkham Singh wasted chances. In the 41st minute, Thokchom's well-executed free kick caught Churchill goalkeeper Subhajit Bhattacharjee napping to put Sesa on equal terms. At the stroke of half-time, the Red Machines regained the lead as defender George D'Souza fired home in the 44th minute.
Crossing over, Sesa made frequent attacks but the Red Machines defended well. They also shifted their strategy and threatened the rival goal with more possession but their players, Omkar Shetgaonkar, Myron Pereira and Kunal Salgaocar muffed sitters. In the 78th minute, Clencio Pinto equalised for Sesa after picking up the ball from Janak Kudmal.
