FC Goa made it two wins in two to begin the 2021/22 season of the Goa Pro League after the young Gaurs secured a 1-0 win over Panjim footballers today at the Duler Stadium in Mapusa.
Mevan Dias, promoted from the U18 side ahead of the season, was on the scoresheet for the second game running – his strike in the 17th minute proving to be the difference by the time the final whistle was blown.
It was the Dolphins who started off the brighter of the sides as they accumulated 4 free-kicks in the first 4 minutes of the game. They, though, couldn’t make the pressure count.
It was FC Goa who struck first with Mevan Dias showing his striker’s instinct to help the young Gaurs take the lead. The youngster’s effort from close range was too quick for Preston Rego as he smartly deflected Aditya Salgaonkar’s effort from the edge of the box past the keeper for his second of the season.
Panjim quickly reacted and it took two fine efforts – first from Hansel Coelho in the FC Goa goal and then by Ivan Costa to help Deggie Cardozo’s boys keep the lead heading into halftime.
The Gaurs were under considerable pressure in the second half as well, but a sturdy performance at the back meant that Panjim failed to muster a clear goal-scoring opportunity throughout the second forty-five.
With 6 points from their 2 games FC Goa now moved to 2nd position, 1 point behind Vasco SC with a game in hand. Meanwhile for Panjim, this was their 2nd defeat in three games, keeping them rooted to 10th spot in the 12-team league table.