Kolkata, August 9: FC Goa started off their Durand Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over Army Green at the Kalyani Stadium in West Bengal.
A 26th minute goal from Liston Colaco proved to be good enough for the young Gaurs to clinch all three points in their first game of the tournament.
The youngsters enjoyed the lion's share of the possession in the first forty-five minutes and finally made it count when they won a penalty in the 25th minute of the game when Kingslee Fernandes brilliantly dodged a tackle to bear down on goal.
Job done! 🔥
— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) August 8, 2019
What a way to kick start the campaign. Liston's first-half goal proved decisive as we race to the victory line in our first-ever @thedurandcup game. 😎🧡#DurandCup #FCGvARG #NowWeRise pic.twitter.com/A7QqfEWR6t
He showed great poise on reaching the box and his cut back was too good for the Army Green defender whose extended leg caught him on his way to the goal. The referee had no doubt in pointing to the spot.
Colaco stepped up to the plate but hit the ball straight at Sarath Narayanan in the Army Green's goal. Fortunately for him, the ball fell to him after a few ricochets and this time; he made no mistake in slotting it home.
First Game ✔
— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) August 8, 2019
First Goal ✔
First Man Of The Match ✔
Liston Colaco 🙌#DurandCup #FCGvARG #NowWeRise pic.twitter.com/qKkCBi4l8i
The Army men came back strong and nearly equalised before the end of the half. Dylan D'Silva did well to go down to save the initial shot but the rebound found its way to the back of the net. But the Army men's joys were short-lived as the effort was ruled off-side.
The 62nd minute of the game saw Liston play a delightful through ball that found Lalawmpuia in full stride. The man from Mizoram did well to get the ball under his control before racing past his man. The forward kept his composure, but was impeded by Sarath Narayananin the Army goal while trying to round him off.
The referee awarded a second penalty to the Gaurs, but they failed to make the most of the opportunity as Lalawmpuia blasted it over to leave the game still wide open.
FC Goa will be back in action at the same venue on Wednesday (August 14) when they take on Chennai City.
(Source: FC Goa Media)