GPL 2019-20: Calangute Association ease past Panjim Footballers

Daryl Costa scored in the second session to book all three points for his team.

Calangute Association registered an easy 3-0 win over Panjim Footballers in the Goa Professional League match, played at Duler Stadium on Monday. U-20 Malik Mulla gave the lead TO the Beachside in the 37th minute, while skipper Domnic Fernandes doubled the tally three minutes later. Daryl Costa then scored in the second half to book all three points.

Calangute who were held to a 2-2 draw by Vasco SC had a few changes to their lineup. Gaurav Vaigankar, Domnic Fernandes, Sanij Bugde and Malik Mulla found their names in the starting XI for the Beachside. Whereas, Panjim's newly appointed coach Shekar Kerkar fielded their newly signed keeper Preston Rego, along with Janio Fernandes, Akash Sanadi and Malcolm Gonsalves.

Calangute should have opened their tally in the early minutes of the match. Gaurav Kankonkar dribbled past two opponents and made a through-pass to Domnic who covered some ground, but Panjim defender Janio cleared the danger in time. A minute later, Domnic was once again in the action. He was fed with a long ball by Vaigankar, but the forward failed to keep his shot on target.

Calangute once again came close to scoring just after the half hour mark. Jobern Cardozo made a swift run on the wing and squared it to Daryl Costa in the box. He in-turn found the well-positioned Domnic with a short pass, but the skipper’s attempt was brilliantly blocked by Panjim keeper Preston.

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However, the Beachside managed to surge ahead in the 37th minute. Daryl’s curling cross was headed into the goal to make it 1-0.

It was just three minutes from the opener, when Calangute doubled their lead. A fine low cross by Gaurav was smartly tapped in by skipper Domnic to make it 2-0.

They had a chance to make it three just before half-time, but Jobern shot wide from close off Daryl’s curler.

On crossing over, Calangute had two quick opportunities to extend their lead. First, Gaurav’s goal-bound strike hit a Panjim defender before going out for a corner. The Beachside once again came close to scoring from the resulting set-piece. Moises D’Sa fed an unmarked Gaurav in the box, but Panjim keeper Preston nicely blocked his header to limit the damage.

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Panjim created their first potent chance of the match in the 57th minute. Cyril Dias went for glory from distance, only to see his effort parried by Calangute keeper Sanij for a corner.

Calangute had the best chance to further extend their lead. U-20 winger Malik came up with a fine cross to the unmarked Domnic in the box, but the skipper shot over the crossbar.

However, in the 69th minute, the Beachside made it 3-0. Daryl made a through-pass to Gaurav in the box. His shot was nicely blocked by Panjim custodian Preston, but Daryl shot past him from the rebound to put his side in the driver's seat.

In added-time, Moises saw his sparkling strike from a 25-yard free-kick rebound off the crossbar.

In the other match played at Navelim Ground, Churchill Brothers registered a commanding 5-0 win over Guardian Angel Sports Club. Trinidadian striker Willis Plaza scored a brace, while Clencio Pinto, Wendell Coelho and Vinil Poojary netted one each for the Red Machines.

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