FC Goa debut Durand Cup campaign with a win against Army Greens

by Rounak Majumdar August 8, 2019

The development part of the FC Goa outfit went past the former champions, Army Green Football Team to taste success on their opening game of the Durand Cup.

The Gaurs scored a solitary goal coming from Liston Colaco at the 26th minute. The youngsters were thoroughly dominant throughout the first half. The Goan side bore the fruits at the 2nd quarter of the match at the 25th minute, Kingslee Fernandes brilliantly dodged a tackle to bear down on goal. 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 did not doubt pointing to the spot. Liston rose to the occasion and guided the ball into the net to break the deadlock.

The Army men bounced back and nearly equalized before the first half concluded. Dylan D’Silva did well to go down to save the initial shot but the following-through found its way to the back of the net. But the Army men’s joys were ruled-off as the linesman raised the flag.

The second half kicked off with Army Greens launching furious attacks into the opposition half. Although the Gaurs defence stood firm, the Clifford Miranda managed side looked outrageous whenever receiving an opportunity. The game approached its conclusion with both the sides playing end to end football. However, FC Goa emerged victorious as the former champions failed to find the net.

The FC Goa Development side will lock horns against the I-League champions, Chennai City FC on 14th August at the Kalyani Stadium. Whereas, the Army Green outfit will play against Real Kashmir on 10th August at the same venue.