Delton Colaco scored his second goal in as many games as FC Goa and SESA FA played out a 1-1 draw in the GFA President’s Super League on Tuesday evening at the Salvador do Mundo Panchayat Ground.
Goa head coach Deggie Cardozo once again changed his entire starting XI from Sunday’s clash against Jamshedpur FC in the RF Development League. Hansel Coelho, Manushawn Fernandes, Nestor Dias, Malsawmtluanga and Delton were among those who returned to the playing XI after sitting out against Jamshedpur.
Sesa began well and came close to scoring within five minutes, but the Gaurs slowly gained momentum and started controlling the game. However, despite their best efforts, Cardozo’s boys could only watch as Mahammed Faheez found the back of the net for Sesa in the 17th minute against the run of play. The goal ushered in a shift of momentum as the match further progressed.
FC Goa began the second half with renewed vigour. There was also a shift in approach as the Gaurs started pressing high to win possession. As a result, they were able to create several chances using counter-attacks but a lack of good finishing kept Sesa’s lead safe for another half an hour.
That changed just before the drinks’ break in the 75th minute, Delton took matters into his own hands as he dropped down to the midfield and won the ball near the halfway line. He then set off on a marauding run, leaving defenders behind in his trail before firing a bullet of a shot from just outside the box. Even an outstretched leap did not help goalkeeper Roanal Gaunkar as the ball flew past him into the back of the net.
Colaco played like a man possessed following the strike, and came close to scoring once again five minutes later. This time, his shot narrowly missed the goal as it went over the bar.
The point helps FC Goa move to 4th place on the table, tied on points with Sporting Clube de Goa with both sides having acquired 24 points from their 14 games. Sesa meanwhile move up to joint 2nd with Salgaocar thanks to their 25 points from their 14 games.
The FC Goa Dev Team will return to action on Thursday, April 28, when they take on Hyderabad FC in the RF Development League at the Benaulim Ground. That game is scheduled for a 4:30 pm kickoff