Panjim Footballers pip Signals for first victory in Pro-League

| JANUARY 17, 2019, 03:24 AM IST

the goan I network

DULER

Panjim Footballers registered a hard-fought 1-0 win over Corps of Signals in the re-scheduled seventh round match of the Goa Football Association Professional League at Duler stadium, here on Wednesday.

The struggling Panjim Footballers, placed at the bottom of the league table with just five points from 12 matches, played with extra vigour and returned home with a precious win. It was a delightful goal by Daryl Costa in the 85th minute that gave the Capital city-side their first win in the ongoing Pro-League.

The Panaji side had number of scoring chances in the first session but Clifton Fernandes and Joel Colaco failed to keep their strikes on target early in the match. In the 12th minute, a curling free-kick by Alston Camotio saw striker Cyril Dias’ header sail over the Signals crossbar.

The best chance for Panjim came at the half an hour mark where Cyril Dias sent a neat pass to overlapping Daryl Costa on the left flank, who then drilled a fierce grounder only for it to be blocked by Signals goalkeeper Binu Purshothama.

Hardly had the spectators taken their seats in the stadium on crossing over, Signals defender Om Prakash Bhogta was sent off by referee Sunil Nanodkar with a direct red card for a harsh challenge on Panjim’s Chandan Gawas.

In the 50th minute, Alston Colaco tried to find his team-mate Daryl at the far corner from the left flank, with an accurate cross, but Signals keeper Binu flung to his left to parry the ball to safety. It was only in the 54th minute that the Armymen had their first good attempt at the rival goal where Pawan Thakur let go a 25-yard shot at the goal. It was however, blocked by Panjim keeper Sherwin Da Cunha.

The proceedings for the next 31 minutes were restricted to midfield with both the goalkeepers being hardly tested by both the teams’ strikers. In the 85th minute, finally the deadlock was broken as Daryl Costa collected a long floater inside the penalty box on the left flank, and seeing the Signals keeper Binu out of position, lobbed the ball into the goal to send their supporters into raptures.

In the added time, Signals lost a glorious chance for an equaliser. In a goal-mouth melee, Nim Tshering Bhutia’s efforts from close was blocked by Panjim goalkeeper Sherwin and the ball rolled to two of the Signals players but they faltered in taking advantage.

Meanwhile, the GFA has announced the postponement of Salgaocar Football Club-Guardian Angel Sports Club (Duler) and Velsao Sports & Cultural Club-Dempo Sports Club (Utorda) Pro-League ties. Also, the GFA U-14 league (south) match between Cortalim Gymkhana and Salgaocar Football Club (Cansaulim) has been pushed to a further date.

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