PANAJI: Panjim Footballers stunned leaders Salgaocar Football Club 1-0 in Goa Football Association’s Selvel Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Saturday. Joyson Gauncar scored the all-important goal in the 81st minute to consign Salgaocar FC to their first defeat in eight games.
It was a high intensity game with end to end action. It had an early penalty claim by Panjim Footballers when Krishna Gawas was brought down apparently in the box by Prathamesh Satardekar, but the referee Prasad Surlakar gave a free-kick from just outside the box.
Salgaocar FC had the first shot on goal and it came from a cross-cum-shot from Antush Moniz which was cleanly dealt by the Panjim custodian Preston Rego.
Meanwhile at the other end, Panjim Footballers had their best chance to score when Krishna Gawas went past the Salgaocar defence and upon reaching the byline squared the ball to Lloyd Cardoz, who shot straight to the keeper Jason D’Mello.
Panjim nearly conceded a goal when Preston’s poor clearance fell to Salgaocar’s Steflon D’Costa, who played to second half substitute Stephen Satarkar, but the last-named shot wide from inside the box.
Panjim custodian produced a fine save when he stopped Fhezer Gomes from scoring. But the end to end battle saw yet another attack within minutes as Panjim this time rattled the post when Joyson Gauncar ran down the flank and dribbled past Salgaocar defenders and approaching the byline, selfishly went for the goal from a tight angel despite having two team-mates inside the box. His effort hit the post and deflected off the keeper for a corner.
Panjim Footballers finally scored in the 81st minute and this time Joyson Gauncar made no mistake to nod in a perfect cross in the box from Cyril Dias.
