Goa Khabar : Vasco Sports Club mounted a spirited second-half comeback to hold Cortalim Villagers to a thrilling 2-2 draw in their Goa Professional League encounter at the Raia Ground on Tuesday. After trailing 0-2 at halftime, Vasco clawed their way back with a late equalizer in stoppage time to salvage a crucial point.
Cortalim made a dream start opening the scoring inside four minutes. A sharp build-up from midfield saw Ashnoy Gomes find Shario Gomes near the edge of the area and the forward made no mistake, slotting home with a composed finish to make it 1-0. The early goal injected confidence into Cortalim, who nearly doubled their lead six minutes later when Jaison Vaz broke through on goal only to be denied by a brilliant save from Roni Das.
Their persistence paid off in the 21st minute. Off a well-taken corner by Airen Fernandes, the delivery found Sidney Lucas rising highest inside the box to power a header past the Vasco custodian doubling Cortalim’s advantage. Vasco tried to respond through set pieces and corners but lacked precision in the final third. The first half ended with Cortalim comfortably leading 2-0.
Vasco emerged a transformed side after the break and found a lifeline in the 59th minute. Reuben Letkhotinchon showed excellent determination down the flank, beating his marker before sending a dangerous ball into the box, where Harshad Naik pounced to slot it home and bring Vasco back into the contest at 1-2.
The game grew intense as Vasco pressed for the equalizer. In the 71st minute after a suspected handball Vasco were awarded a free kick just outside the box. The ensuing header from Thokchom Singh looked promising but went straight into the hands of the Cortalim goalkeeper. Tempers flared soon after with Ankush Singh of Cortalim booked in the 80th minute for a rash tackle followed by a yellow card to a Vasco player three minutes later for a rough challenge on Airen Fernandes.
Vasco’s persistence finally paid off deep into stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, a long-range effort forced the Cortalim goalkeeper into a double save, but he couldn’t stop Thokchom Singh who reacted quickest to head in the rebound and level the score at 2-2.
