Goa Pro League: Sesa Football Academy, Velsao split points after draw

The game saw a goal in either half.

Velsao Sports & Cultural Club and Sesa Football Academy shared the spoils after playing out a 1-1 draw in the Goa Pro League match played at Duler Stadium on Friday.

Velsao had taken the lead in the first session through Klusner Pereria. But, their wait for their first win in the competition was dented by their own player Viraj Naik, who came off the bench and scored an own-goal to restore parity for Sesa.

There were two changes in the Velsao lineup, as Shamer Babu Swamy and Jesloy Moniz were handed their first start by coach Jude Barreto. For Sesa FA, the coach preferred to stick to the same XI, despite losing their match against Dempo SC 1-4.

It was drab opening minutes of the game as neither side showed urgency to score. But, Sesa FA had a couple of chances through Shridar Naidu and Cajetan Fernandes. Shridar had an opportunity to score early on, but Velsao keeper Presley Mascarenhas did well to block the effort. The ball rolled to Cajetan, whose cross inside the box was well dealt with by Presley.

Velsao conceded a couple of free-kicks outside the box, but Sesa FA's Cajetan saw both his attempts wasted. Both the set-pieces came off the Velsao wall.

At the other end, Velsao took a surprise lead in the 32nd minute from a set-piece. Klusner Pereira sent in a perfect curler from a 30-yard free-kick, which landed in the top corner past Sapan Singh. The Sesa custodian should have done better as the ball went over his hands.

Velsao had another crack at goal when Savelon Cardozo tried his luck with a first-time shot, but this time Sapan Singh managed to collect it cleanly.

Velsao should have doubled the tally just before the breather when Ronil Azavedo received a pass from midfield. He set Jesloy Moniz through with just the keeper to beat, but the striker placed the ball well wide of the goal.

The teams saw an end-to-end battle soon after the restart. Both had an attempt on goal, but neither side could create any damage. Dominic Soares' shot was easily saved by Presley, while Velsao's Ronil headed straight at the keeper.

Velsao SCC scored an own-goal in the 57th minute to get Sesa FA back into the game. It was a goal out of nowhere, as Viraj Naik, who came on as a substitute headed into his own net.

At the other end, Velsao nearly took the lead when Savelon sent in a perfect delivery from a corner, which found Josley, but his flicked header missed the far post by inches.

Sesa had the best chance to clinch the game in injury-time, but Cajetan fired wide.

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