Goa Pro League: Guardian Angel SC win thriller against Vasco SC

Gilbert Oliveira scored the winner

Guardian Angel SC scored twice in stoppage time to register a thrilling 2-1 win over Vasco SC in the GFA Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa. 

Gilbert Oliveira and Joel Barreto scored for Guardian Angel SC while Denvil Fernandes netted a goal for Vasco SC.

The match started with both teams creating opportunities, but the finishing touch was elusive. Vasco's Rafael Fernandes delivered a couple of tantalizing crosses, but Samuel D'Souza failed to connect on both occasions. Guardian Angel SC's Joywin Costa thought he had broken the deadlock with a goal, but it was disallowed for a handball in the area.

The turning point came in the 65th minute when Vasco SC finally found the back of the net. Chadel played a pinpoint pass to Denvil Fernandes, who displayed incredible skill on the right flank. He cut past a rival defender before unleashing a fierce shot past the goalkeeper, giving Vasco the lead.

Vasco had a chance to double their advantage when Francis played a through pass to Chadel, who squared the ball to Denvil once again. Denvil had space but was denied by a brilliant save from Guardian Angel SC's Oswin Rodrigues. Samuel attempted a lobbed shot on the rebound, but it was safely collected by the keeper.

Vasco was then awarded a penalty kick after a handball by Akram Yadwad inside the Guardian Angel SC box. However, Rafael Fernandes couldn't capitalize on the opportunity, firing the shot wide, much to the disappointment of the Vasco faithful.

With time running out, Guardian Angel SC mounted a dramatic comeback. In the 90+1st minute, Joel Barreto exploited a gap in Vasco's defense, breaking the offside trap and expertly lobbing the ball over the onrushing keeper to level the score.

The climax of this thrilling encounter came in stoppage time when Guardian Angel SC earned a direct freekick. Gilbert Oliveira stepped up and unleashed a thunderous strike that left the rival keeper with no chance, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory for Guardian Angel SC.

Denvil Fernandes of Vasco SC was named the player of the match for his outstanding performance. The award was presented by GFA Executive Member Sanjeev Nagvekar.