Goa Pro League: Panjim Footballers edge YC Manora by solitary goal

Chandan Gawas scored the only goal of the game.

A second half goal from Chandan Gawas was enough for Panjim Footballers to secure a win over Youth Club of Manora in the Goa Pro League match played at Duler Stadium on Sunday.

Panjim had three changes to their side following a defeat against Guardian Angel SC in the last match. Pandurang Gauns, Lokesh Kumar and Chandan Gawas made the cut. Whereas, Manora coach named experienced Nicholas Fernandes and keeper Luis Barretto, along with few young talents to balance their side.

The start of the match saw the newcomers surprising their opponents with dominant play in the opening quarter. They also maintained their shape and enjoyed better possession.

Panjim tried to keep the ball in the second quarter of the match, but they could not damage the opponents, as most of their attacks were undone in the final third.

Manora also had a opportunity to surge ahead at the end of the half, when they were awarded a free-kick just outside the box. But, set-piece specialist Nicholas saw his goalbound strike blocked by Panjim defender Akram Yadwad for a corner. They should have taken the lead from the resultant corner. However, despite feeding a perfectly ball to Nicholas in the box his shot went out for a goal-kick.

After wasting many chances, midfielder Akash Sanadi went for a glory from distance, but his goalbound strike drew a equal response from Manora custodian Barreto, who stretched to his fullest to push the ball for a corner.

On crossing over, Panjim took just three minutes to break the deadlock. Lloyd Cardozo sent a pinpoint through pass to Chandan. His powerful grounded shot gave no chance for diving keeper Barreto, making it 1-0 for the Capital side.

A few minutes later, Panjim had an opportunity to double their lead. Lloyd took advantage of Manora's defensive lapse and covered some ground before unleashing a powerful shot, only to see it go straight into the waiting hands of Manora keeper Barreto.

Panjim had another opportunity in the 87th minute. Lloyd sent a long ball to an unmarked Ashok Megheri in the box. His first time shot could have extended the lead for the Capital side, but the lad's delayed shot was blocked for a corner by the Manora defence.

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