FC Goa secure win in 1st pre-season football friendly

A repeat of last seasons result saw FC Goa defeat Spanish Tercera division side Deportiva Minera 3-0 at the La Manga Club in Murcia, Spain.

Goals from Mandar Rao Dessai and Liston Colaco along with a goal from Edu Bedia was enough to see the Gaurs through their first game of the pre season.

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 leave their mark on the game and in the 29th minute, Mandar Rao Dessai put Goa ahead from a Palanca pass in the box. Mandar kept his composure and chipped the ball over the keeper to take the lead.

From then on Goa took control of the 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 chances and controlling the play. In the 59th minute, Liston Colaco pounced on a rebounded shot from youngster Princeton Rebello, outwitted the defenders and goalkeeper, and placed his strike in the bottom left corner to give the Gaurs a comfortable 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.

--IANS

dm/gau/bg