FC Goa defeated Pax of Nagoa SC 2-0

FC Goa broke the deadlock through a well-worked move when Asher Rodrigues played a precise through ball down the right for Shawn Pereira who whipped in a low cross across the face of goal. Ismail Shaikh made a perfectly timed run and calmly tapped it home to give the Gaurs a deserved lead.

In the second half Nagoa goalkeeper Aryan Surwade produced a brilliant double save to keep his side alive first denying Bryson Pereira’s close-range strike and then parrying Sangam Shetye’s follow-up. The rebound fell to Shawn Pereira whose fierce drive from the edge of the box went just wide.

FC Goa later sealed the win when Malsawmtluanga’s inch-perfect free-kick found Sitroy Carvalho rising high above the Nagoa defence to head home and make it 2-0.

In the opening half FC Goa dominated possession in midfield probing for gaps while Nagoa’s backline stayed compact under pressure. Shubert Pereira went into the referee’s book for a high-boot challenge on Asher Rodrigues.

The Gaurs continued to press with Bryson Pereira weaving past his marker and setting up Sangam Shetye whose first-time shot lacked power. Moments later Malsawmtluanga’s curling corner found Wesley D’Sa but his header went narrowly over. Konsam Singh then sent in a teasing cross from the left which reached Sangam Shetye at the far post only for his header to be comfortably collected by Aryan Surwade.

At the other end Nagoa tried to counter with long balls down the flanks but FC Goa’s defence stayed sharp. Their persistence paid off when Asher Rodrigues released Shawn Pereira who sent in a precise low cross that Ismail Shaikh converted with composure to make it 1-0.

FC Goa maintained their momentum after the break and their relentless pressure was rewarded with Sitroy Carvalho’s decisive header from Malsawmtluanga’s free-kick as the Gaurs wrapped up a confident 2-0 victory.