Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
MAPUSA: Clube de Goa Salgaocar returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over FC Goa, in the Goa Professional League, at Duler Stadium, on Wednesday. Both goals for the winners came in the first half, with Denil Rebello scoring from the penalty spot and Isac Zomuanpuia adding a header.
After today's win, Clube de Goa Salgaocar sits at 11 points, while FC Goa remains on 6 points, both from five matches.
Salgaocar’s Mevzen Oliveira played a key role in both goals, which came in the first session of play. In the 17th minute, a teasing cross by Mevzen from the left flank was handled by Young Gaurs midfielder Manjot Singh, prompting referee Ritesh Parsekar to point to the penalty spot. Salgaocar’s Denil Rebello stepped up and converted to make it 1-0.
The next twenty minutes saw a midfield tussle, with both teams managing just one attempt each on goal. Salgaocar’s Mevzen and Young Gaurs' Bryson Pereira had their shots saved by the respective goalkeepers.
In the 35th minute, Salgaocar doubled their lead. Mevzen Oliveira controlled a pass from Royal Oliveira and sent a long pinpoint cross to the unmarked Isac Zomuanpuia in front of the 6-yard box. Zomuanpuia’s header left Young Gaurs goalkeeper Lionel Rymmei with no chance, making it 2-0.
Young Gaurs had a good chance in the 39th minute when a 30-yard free-kick by U-21 player Prachit Gaonkar was brilliantly tipped for a corner by Salgaocar’s goalkeeper Sanij Bugde, who made a full-stretch diving save.
Early in the second half, Salgaocar were reduced to ten men when U-21 player Reevon Fernandes was sent off for a second booking in the 55th minute. After Reevon’s dismissal, Salgaocar adopted a defensive strategy and did not register a single attempt on the rival goal for the remainder of the match.
At the other end, the Young Gaurs repeatedly attacked Salgaocar’s defence, but stopper backs Suraj and substitute Janio Fernandes, along with goalkeeper Sanij Bugde, held firm to preserve their two-goal lead until the final whistle.
In the 78th minute, a dangerous cross by Prachit Gaonkar was blocked on the goal line by Salgaocar’s Tipanna, preventing Shrine Clemente from scoring. Another opportunity for the Young Gaurs went begging when Sitroy Carvalho set up Malsawmtulanga inside the penalty box, but before he could make an impact, Salgaocar’s custodian rushed off his line to collect the ball.