GPL 2019-20: Vasco edge Guardian Angel in thrilling encounter

Suraj Mondal scored the match-winner in the 73rd minute.

Vasco Sports Club won a five-goal thriller against Guardian Angel Sports Club following their 3-2 win in the Goa Professional League match played at Rosary Ground, Navelim, on Tuesday. Suraj Mondal scored the match-winner in the 73rd minute as the teams were tied 2-2 in the first session. Mainoo Dadanivoor (41) and Olumide Adewale (20) were the other goal getters for the Port Towners while Aslon Oliveira (8’) and Joel Barreto (43’) netted for the Curchorem side. The win takes Vasco SC on 13 points from 13 matches to ninth position while Guardian Angel SC remain on eighth spot with 14 points from 12 outings. The teams started on equal footings with both sides showing attacking intent in the early moment of the game. Guardian Angel SC, were the first to strike through Aslon Oliveira as early as in the eight minute. Bamba Musah took the ball from the midfield and sprinted in the opposition territory and played a low cross in the box, which was guided in by Aslon, who scored his third goal of the season to give Guardian Angel SC an early lead. [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] Vasco SC who put up a strong fight from the start played a pressing game and made it difficult for Guardian Angel SC. The Port Towners soon made it all square in the 20th minute when they were awarded a free kick just outside the box which was superbly converted by Olumide who scored his first goal for his new club in his second appearance. From there on it was an end to end battle with both sides eagerly playing to find the net. However, Vasco SC took the lead in the 41st minute through Mainoo who scored from yet another free-kick, this time the distance was even further. Guardian Angel SC keeper should have done better in dealing with the ball. However, Guardian Angel SC came with an instant reply and equalised just before the breather through Joel Barreto, whose shot from inside the box, hit the post and entered the goal, 2-2. In the second half, Vasco SC’s Micky Vaz created a glorious chance to regain their lead, when he crossed the ball at the face of the goal, which was perfectly nodded in by Bema only to see his effort saved by the Guardian Angel SC keeper Pratheesh Veettil. Though the move was excellent, the save was equally better. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="RELATED NEWS | ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS] Vasco SC had yet another chance when their quick passing saw them break into the box and the ball being played to Mathew Colaco, however, the lad shot wide. At the other end, Bamba Musah squandered a glorious chance to score when a perfect Leny Fernandes’ free-kick was delivered to him. But the foreigner failed to time his header. It’s rare to see someone miss such chances. Guardian Angel SC were punished for not taking their chances as Suraj scored in the 73rd minute which ultimately proved to be the match decider and gave the Port Towners crucial points. Click here for the Goa Pro League 2019-20 points table after this match.