MARGAO
Sesa Football Academy staged a dramatic comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Garhwal Heroes FC in their I-League 3 clash at the GFA Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Monday.
Garhwal Heroes FC started strong, putting Sesa Football Academy’s defense under pressure with several attempts. Sonu Halder and Rohan Manar both tested Sesa’s goalkeeper, Ronak Camilo Gaunkar, but he made crucial saves to keep his team in the game.
Sesa Football Academy had a few opportunities of their own, but Garhwal's defense was equally vigilant. In the 25th minute, Garhwal Heroes FC took the lead when Sonu Halder’s snapshot hit the left post and found its way past Gaunkar.
The visitors continued to press, but their forwards were unable to capitalize on their chances, shooting wide.
Determined to turn the game around, Sesa Football Academy ramped up their efforts in the second half. Their persistence paid off when substitute Shlok Tiwari scored from a penalty after a Garhwal defender handled the ball in the box.
With the momentum now in their favor, Sesa Football Academy pressed hard for a winner. Their efforts were rewarded in the final moments when Sankalp Kankonkar headed in a perfectly measured cross from Omar Shetgaonkar to complete the comeback and secure the victory.
Speaking post-match, Sesa Football Academy Coach Charles Dias expressed his satisfaction with his team's performance following their win on Monday.
“I was really pleased with how composed we were. We moved the ball effectively and controlled the game throughout,” Dias remarked.
He praised his team’s fluidity in possession and their proactive approach when out of it. “We were very compact and proactive defensively, which allowed us to dominate the match,” he added.
