PANJIM:
A repeat of last season’s result saw the Gaurs defeat Spanish Tercera division side Deportiva Minera 3-0 at the La Manga Club in Murcia, Spain on Wednesday night. Goals from Goan lads Mandar Rao Dessai and Liston Colaco along with a goal from Edu Bedia was enough to see the Gaurs through their frist game of the pre season.
FC Goa started the game on the front foot creating numerous opportunities, but failed to convert their chances. As the game progressed the gaurs started to imposed their mark on the game and in the 29th minute, Mandar Rao Dessai put the Gaurs ahead from a Palanca pass in the box. Mandar kept his composure and chipped the ball over the keeper to give the gaurs the lead. From then on FC Goa took control of play, and in the 36th minute, Edu Bedia intercepted a pass from the opposition central midfielder and smashed the ball into the bottom right corner to give his team a 2-0 lead going into half time.
The Gaurs began the second half in similar fashion to the first half, creating chance and controlling the play. In the 59th minute, Liston Colaco pounced on a rebounded shot from youngster Princeton Rebello, feigned the defenders and goalkeeper, and placed his strike in the bottom left corner to give the Gaurs a comportable 3-0 lead.
The rest of the game continued in the same fashion with the Indian Super League (ISL) side dominating the play. A couple of good saves from new signing Mohammad Nawaz ensured the Gaurs kept a clean sheet in their first game.
The Gaurs will continue to train at La Manga Club before returning to Goa for the new season of the Indian Super League.
