Goa Pro League: Salgaocar cruise past FC Goa for first win

Saeesh Halarnkar and Stephen Satarkar scored the goals for the Greens in either half.

Salgaocar FC had a great start as they secured a comfortable 2-0 win over FC Goa in the opening match of the Goa Pro League, played at Duler Stadium on Wednesday.

Saeesh Halarnkar opened the tally for the Greens in the first session, while Stephen Satarkar sealed the victory for his side with a late strike.

FC Goa's newly-appointed coach Deggie Cardozo named Serineo Fernandes and Chirsty Davis, along with forward Aaren D Silva, Brain Faria and Lalhmanaihsanga in the starting XI. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Jason D’Mello, Daniel Gomes and Ribhav Sardesai were among the only senior in the XI for the Greens.

After end-to-end action from the start of the match, FC Goa had the best chance to take the lead when their U-20 midfielder Brison Fernandes found Vasim Inamdar in the box. He was in a commanding position to take his side into the lead, but Salgaocar defender Perry Pereira came to the rescue with a timely clearance.

The next few minutes saw FC Goa completely dominating possession. Salgaocar’s Saeesh Halarnkar started a counter-attack only to be brought down by FC Goa defender Lalhmangaihsanga just outside the box. The FC Goa centre-back was booked for his reckless tackle.

Salgaocar finally managed to break the deadlock in the 38th minute. Perry’s cross was handled by FC Goa defender Malsawtluanga Ralte in the box to gift a penalty to the opponents. Salgaocar’s Saeesh stepped forward and calmly scored from the spot.

Two minutes later, Salgaocar had an opportunity to double their lead. Steflon D’Costa fired a shot from close range, but Goa keeper Dylan Da Silva brilliantly blocked it. The ball rolled to his teammate Valentinho Nazareth, who shot wide with an empty goal.

At the other end, FCG’s Lalremruata HP was setup by Christy Davis with a precise ball from the long but Salgaocar keeper Jason came off his line to clear the danger.

On crossing over, Salgaocar took control of the match and kept penetrating the opponent’s cathedral on regular intervals. Selwyn Miranda had two great chances to extend their lead but on both the occasions the midfielder placed wide from close.

However, Salgaocar substitute Stephen Satarkar sealed the game for the visitors in the dying minutes of the match as a powerful shot from the forward deflected off FCG left-back Serineo and dropped into the net making it 2-0 for the Greens.

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