Goa off to positive start
Goa began their Khelo India Youth Games campaign in Pune on a positive
note registering a 1-0 win over Manipur on Friday.
Goa enjoyed good ball possession in the opening minutes of the game and
attacked only on counters in the opening quarter. Manipur had their
chances but they couldn’t get past the goalkeeper Ozen Silva, who
brought off smart saves to keep Goa in the game.
While Goa used their pace upfront, Manipur defence found it difficult to
hold Goa, despite not being at their best in the attacking third.
Goa were rewarded with a penalty when Joel Dias was brought down in the
box by the Manipur defender. Veegan Ferrao stepped over and coolly
converted from the spot.
Crossing over, Goa chose to stay back and defend the slender lead.
Manipur were all out and attacked in numbers from the centre, but
despite their constant inroads, they failed to break the strong Goa
defence with Ozen Silva marshalling the frame with some brilliant saves
to hand Goa their first win.
