Goa Pro League: Panjim Footballers stun depleted FC Goa

The ISL Developmental side were reduced to nine men in the injury time.

Panjim Footballers played their hearts out to secure a solitary goal win over FC Goa in their Goa Professional League match played at Duler Stadium on Friday. Prasil Kankonkar’s goal in the 26th minute was the difference between the two sides.

Panjim who had lost their last match against Churchill Brothers SC had three changes to their side as their coach Thome Alex Alvares named Prasil Kankonkar, Lloyd Cardozo and Jovito Fernandes in the starting XI. Whereas, defenders Malsawmtluanga Ralte and Sarineo Fernandes were back in the lineup for the Junior Gaurs after missing out in their 2-0 win over Velsao SCC.

The match was restricted to midfield play from the kickoff which came into action in the 26th with a surprising goal from Panjim. Panjim winger Vallmicky Miranda nicely curled the ball into the box which was parried by FC Goa keeper Dylan Da Silva, but he failed to clear the danger as an unmarked Prasil Kankonkar tapped in from close to put his side ahead.

In the next 10 minutes, FC Goa tried to keep the ball posession but could not break Panjim Footballers’ strong defence led by Janio Fernandes and Liston Cardozo along with Prasil and Akram Yadwad. At the other end, Panjim came with another thunder strike in the 36th minute as this time Vallmicky tried his luck from the distance, but his scorching effort was pushed away by FC Goa keeper Dylan.

Down by a goal, FC Goa came close to scoring in the dying minutes of the first half as first, Delton Colaco made a through pass to Vasim Inamdar, but Panjim keeper Preston Rego came off his line to thwart the U-20 forward's effort in a one-on-one. They had the best chance to equalize in added minutes as Brison Fernandes made a fine cross to Delton who went for glory from inside the box, but his powerful shot came back off the crossbar.

On crossing over, FC Goa came up with all-out-attacking and came close to find the net in the 54th minute as Brison made a through pass to find his teammate Christy Davis in the box but like last time, Panjim keeper Preston came forward to clear the danger before FC Goa mideo could do any damage to his side.

The Junior Gaurs suffered another blow in the 68th minute as Brison made a foul on Panjim’s Vallmicky and later punched him in frustration. Referee Deep Govekar quickly brandished a yellow card, the player's second of the game, which meant he had to walk off the pitch.

Panjim also had a chance to double their lead in the 73rd minute when Vallmicky easily cut past a few opponents and took a shot on target. However, FC Goa defender Brian Faria blocked his strike at the cost of a corner.

After failing to score, FC Goa coach Deggie Cardozo brought-in Romeo Fernandes in the early second-half. The experienced player came close to scoring in the 75th minute when FC Goa were awarded a free-kick just outside the box. But the speedy forward saw his shot denied by the crossbar before eventually going out for a goal kick.

The Young Gaurs were further reduced to nine men in the added time as their defender brought down Panjim midfielder Krishna Gawas just outside the box where he was shown his second yellow card and given the marching orders with a red card.