NT Reporter
Sirsaim
Calangute Association struck at key moments to register a hard-fought 2-1 win over Sesa Football Academy in the Goa Premier League, overcoming a tense, evenly-contested battle on Tuesday.
The opening half was marked by caution, with both sides prioritising defensive shape over attacking risk. Calangute’s Domnic Fernandes showed early intent with a run into the box but fired wide, while Sesa FA’s Vignesh Naik tested goalkeeper Aditya Sharma with a firm effort that was safely collected.
The contest grew increasingly physical, with Kreepal Dhargalkar booked for a foul on Vishesh Nasnodkar, but clear chances remained scarce as both midfields cancelled each other out. The goalless scoreline at the break reflected a half defined by discipline rather than attacking fluency.
The intensity rose after the restart, with Sesa FA going close through Saimesh Gaonkar, whose effort was cleared off the line by a vigilant Calangute defence. Pradip Aheibam was later cautioned as tempers began to fray.
Calangute broke the deadlock when they were awarded a penalty following a foul by Aditya Salgaonkar inside the box. Nasnodkar stepped up and converted calmly to put his side ahead.
Sesa FA responded by pushing numbers forward in search of an equaliser, but Calangute’s defence held firm. The hosts then doubled their lead through Joywin Carneiro, who finished off a well-delivered cross from captain Jovito Fernandes with a composed touch.
Sesa FA pulled one back deep into stoppage time when Likson Rebello made a surging run from midfield and finished past Sharma, but the late goal proved insufficient.
The result lifts Calangute from sixth to fourth in the standings, rewarding their resilience and clinical finishing in a tightly contested encounter.
