GPL 2019-20: Panjim Footballers edge Vasco SC

Joyson Gauncar scored the winning goal for the Capital City.

Panjim Footballers secured a hard-fought win over Vasco Sports Club in the Goa Professional League match, played at Duler Stadium on Tuesday. Joyson Gauncar scored the all-important goal in the second-half.

Vasco who were without their head coach Micky Fernandes, had only one change to their side as U-20 Darren Rebelo replaced another U-20 Mcliesh Pereira in the lineup for the Port Towners. On the other hand, Panjim who defeated Guardian Angels SC in the last match had two changes as Clifton Fernandes and Lokeshkumar Talwar found their names in the starting XI. Whereas, Panjim had blanked Vasco by 3-0 margin in their previous meet in October.

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The match started with Vasco having the first chance to take the lead in the 15th minute when Anil nicely curled the ball to Suraj Mondal in the box but his headed attempt went over the crossbar.

The Capital City side also had an opportunity in the 25th minute as Lokeshkumar sent a perfect cross to Joyson Gauncar in the box but the lad tapped wide from close. Another chance went in vain for Panjim in the last few minutes of the first session when Joyson made a darting run from the midway but Vasco defender Anil Gaonkar made a timely interception in the box to keep his side safe.

On crossing over, Vasco had the best chance to take the lead when substitute winger Micky Vaz nicely curled the ball to Suraj at the top of the box who chested it down Mathew Colaco in the box but the lad saw his strike deflected off Panjim defender and going out for a corner.

The Port Towners came with another swift attack at the hour mark as this time, Anil went for glory from the edge of the box but Panjim keeper Preston Rego stretched to his limit to push the ball for a corner.

At the other end, Panjim Footballers had the golden opportunity to surge ahead when Vasco keeper Amit Biswas fumbled to collect the ball. Lloyd Cardozo got on the loose ball and found the unmarked Akash Sanadi in the box but the midfielder shot wide despite an open goal in front.

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However, the Capital City side managed to take the lead in the 74th minute when Alston Camotio made a low cross to Joyson who nicely collected the ball before hitting the back of the net to put his side ahead.

Vasco substitute striker Bibetta Radhakrishnan should have levelled the terms in the 85th minute when Raju Padashi set him up for a great chance. However, in a one-on-one situation, Bibetta shot disappointingly wide.

Click here for the Goa Pro League 2019-20 points table after this match.