PANAJI: In a late drama, Vasco Sports Club held Sporting Clube de Goa in an entertaining 1-1 draw in the Goa Football Association Selvel Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Saturday.
Akeraj Martins had given Sporting Clube de Goa the lead in the 85th minute. However, Joston Cardoz made it all square from the spot-kick in the 88th minute for Vasco SC.
Vasco SC had an impressive start in the game playing a high-pressing game. Having a strong midfield lineup, the Port Towners resorted to long deliveries in the box forcing the Sporting Clube de Goa to defend and remain cautious throughout. Clive Miranda and Joel Colaco made some key interceptions to thwart early danger.
At the other, Sporting Clube de Goa’s Stendly Fernandes played Akeraj Martins through on goal. However, the latter ran on the flank and threaded in a cross, which was intercepted by Vasco goalkeeper Luis Barreto.
Bersal Viegas played in another long delivery from the half-line to an unmarked Chirag Mardolkar. The youngster managed to get past Allan Peixoto, however, his low cross in the penalty area was pushed for a corner by Clive Miranda.
Sporting Clube de Goa’s Stendly Fernandes came close to scoring from a direct free kick, but his well taken shot narrowly missed the frame. Sporting’s Dattaraj played another long ball in the area which Rio Fernandes could not control.
Vasco would have nearly scored on a counter-attack when Cavin Lobo played an amazing through pass to Francisco Fernandes setting him free on goal, however, Francisco’s goal-bound effort was blocked by Allan Peixto, who slide past the Port Town keeper.
Crossing over, Vasco SC had a chance to break the deadlock when Francisco Fernandes played in a cross from the left to Reeve Dawson Costa, who shot wide from the edge of the box. At the other end, Brandon Fernandes whipped in a cross from the right, but Rohit Totad couldn’t get a strong connection to his header.
In the 53rd minute, there was a penalty shout from the Sporting Clube when Rohit Totad was brought down in the box, but referee showed no interest on Rohit’s theatrics and continued the play.
Sporting had a shot on target in the 55th minute when Girish Naik’s header was guided in by Joel, but the defender’s header was easily saved by Vasco custodian Luis. The match turned intense with tackles flying in from both the sides.
Finally in the 85th minute, Sporting Clube de Goa broke the deadlock and it was a brilliant play from the Flaming Oranje, Stendly played Myron on the far right and the second half substitute found Akeraj Martins upfront. Despite being marked, Martins fired home from a distance.
Vasco SC were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of the game when Joston Cardozo was brought down in the box by Girish Naik. Joston himself took the kick and converted to make it 1-1.
