GPL 2019-20: Panjim Footballers hold Salgaocar to stalemate

Missed opportunities forced the Green Brigade to drop points for the second consecutive match.

Panjim Footballers-Salgaocar was a crucial match for both teams. In the event, Salgaocar FC once again failed to secure three points, as they were held to a goalless draw by Panjim Footballers in the Goa Professional League match played at Duler Stadium on Wednesday.  Panjim coach Shekhar Kerkar made only one change to their side, which held the might Dempo SC to a goalless draw in the last match. Suresh Thapa found his name in the starting lineup. On the other hand, Salgaocar, who dropped points against Corps of Signals following a 1-1 draw, had four changes to their side. Keeper Jason D'Mello made a comeback into the starting XI. While, Arif Pathan, Steflon Sheldon and Flagan Rodrigues also made the cut for the Greens. [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] Salgaocar had few opportunities in the early minutes of the match, but Panjim keeper Preston Rego made brilliant saves to deny Steflon, Chaitan Komarpant and Devendra Murgaokar from close range. Meanwhile, Salgaocar midfielder Saeesh Halarnkar was unlucky in the 17th minute. His sparkling strike from distance hit the far post and came back into the the play. It was later cleared by Panjim skipper Kunal Kundaikar. The Greens once again came close to scoring in the 39th minute. U-20 starlet Ribhav Sardesai made a beautiful through pass to Devendra in the box. He covered some ground, but failed to keep his strike on  target, as the ball went out for a goal-kick. With just a minute left for half-time, Salgaocar midfielder Saeesh sent a perfect cross to Chaitan in the box. He controlled it before firing a powerful shot on target, but Panjim keeper Preston once again rescued his side with a excellent save. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="RELATED NEWS | ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS] Salgaocar came out attacking from the start of the second half. Devendra, Saeesh, Chaitan and substitute striker Stephen Satarkar kept the Panjim back four on their toes, but they could not make any changes to the scoreline in the entire session. Panjim, who failed to create any potent chance in the match, had the best opportunity to stun the rivals in added-time. Substitute winger Mahesh Kumar set up Chandan Gawas with just the keeper to beat, but the Salgaocar keeper, who was tested for the first time, made a brilliant save to earn at least a point from the match.