Goa Professional League 2020-21: Round 1

The opening round of the 2010/21 season of the Goa Professional League witnessed some familiar faces create a buzz as Vasco beat Churchill Brothers, while Salgaocar got the better of FC Goa.

Salgaocar FC see off FC Goa

Salgaocar FC kicked off the new season of the Goa Pro League with a convincing 2-0 win over FC Goa.

Having lost their target man, Devendra Murgaonkar, to the Indian Super League club during the summer, it was Steflon D’Costa who led the Salgaocar side up front.

The opening goal came was scored in the 38th minute courtesy a spot kick. FC Goa defender Malsawmtluanga Ralte handled a cross from Perry Pereira. Saeesh Halarnkar stepped up to convert successfully.

The lead should’ve been doubled two minutes later. Steflon’s shot from a tight angle was parried away by Antonio. The ball fell kindly to Valentinho who conspired to miss the goal.

With 10 minutes to go, FC Goa were forced to play with 10 men after first-half substitute Nestor Dias limped off the pitch after picking up a knock.

Stephen Satarkar, who had a good outing as a substitute scored in the 90th minute to seal the three points.

Dempo school SESA Football Academy

Dempo SC laid down their statement of intent with a 4-1 thrashing of SESA FA.

The opening goal was a gift from the SESA goalkeeper, Sapam Singh. Trying to lay off the back, Singh’s pass fell straight to Beevan D’Mello.  The Dempo captain had an open goal to aim at and did not miss. 1-0 in the ninth minute.

SESA kept Dempo at bay for long periods and it looked like the teams were going into the break with a 1-0 scoreline. Uttam Rai had other ideas. Latching on a lofted pass from Richard Cardoz on the edge of the box, the striker volleyed the ball past Sapam Singh’s near post. 2-0.

Six minutes into the second half, Dempo gifted SESA a goal. A long throw by Aniket created chaos as Melroy Fernandes bumped into his defender Shallum Pires. Kunal Salgaonkar was in the right place to smash in the goal to make it 2-1.

Despite the setback, Dempo looked in control of the game and restored the two-goal lead in the 80th minute. Another piece of horrible defending by SESA allowed Gaurav Vaingankar with space in the penalty area as he tapped in a Shallum Pires freekick.

Three minutes later, the final goal was scored by Uttam Rai. Some intricate passing involving Ariston Costa, Richard Cardoz, and Suraj Hadkonkar, put Ariston through on goal. The substitute played a simple pass beyond the reach of the onrushing goalkeeper and on the feet of Uttam Rai.

4-1 and Dempo announced their arrival in the Goa Pro League in style.

Guardian Angel sucker punch Panjim Footballers

Guardian Angel secured a defiant 1-0 win over Panjim Footballers. Beneston Barretto scored the only goal of the game in the first half injury time.

Panjim Footballers dominated the first 45 minutes but failed to capitalize on their chances as Guardian Angel custodian Pratheesh Veettil stood tall.

The deadlock was broken at the stroke of half time. A lofted pass by William Niasso found Beneston Barretto near the Panjim box. A touch with his right foot to control the ball and a thunderous left footer from a tight angle gave Guardian Angel the lead.

The second half saw more poor finishing from the Panjim players as Guardian Angel SC held on to the one-goal lead to register their first win and bag the three points.

Calangute register an easy win over Velsao

Calangute Association registered an easy 2-0 win over Velsao Sports & Cultural Club.

Dominating the match from the first whistle, Calangute the opening goal was scored in the 26th minute when Ivorian forward Kouame Kossonou found plenty of time and space to place his header past Presley Mascerenhas.

Velsao provided little threat to the Calangute goal. The three points were wrapped up in the 85th minute when Kouame’s pass found Siddharth. The scuffed from outside the box managed to sneak past Mascerenhas to make it 2-0.

Calangute’s dominance continued till the last kick of the game when Daryl Costa broke free and took a shot from distance. The crossbar played spoilsport as the ball bounced back into the grateful arms of the goalkeeper.

The Beachside team was pleased with their display at the final whistle.

A veteran and a newcomer plot Vasco’s win over Churchill Brothers

Vasco Sports Club secured a comfortable 2-0 win over defending champions Churchill Brothers in the Goa Pro League.

The Port Towners started the match on the front foot when veteran striker Joaquim Abranches scored in the ninth minute.

The I-League side were playing off the back when Vasco winger, Desmon Gama, robbed the defender Sumer Sehgal off the ball. His cross across the face of goal was met by Joachim. 1-0 to Vasco.

Churchill responded in kind with the combination of Mauvin and Clinton only to be thwarted by Sanju Thapa, the Vasco custodian. Thapa was busier of the two goalkeepers in the second half.

Vasco coach Fernandes brought in Mathew Colaco to replace Suraj in the 68th minute.

The move paid dividends as Colaco proved his caliber with his first touch. A lofted pass from the Vasco half was not dealt with by the Churchill defense. The onrushing Churchill goalkeeper provided the substitute a chance to lob the ball into an empty net from outside the box.

A sweet finish and the 2-0 scoreline meant that Vasco is up and running in the Goa Pro league.

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Goa Pro League 2020-21 Table (Current)

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