THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Geno FC clinched a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Guardian Angel in the Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Thursday.
The match came to life in the second half when Geno broke the deadlock in the 47th minute. Arun Naik capitalized on a failed interception by Guardian Angel goalkeeper, firing a low shot into the net to give Geno the lead. Guardian Angel responded quickly, with Airen Fernandes finding the equalizer just ten minutes later. Fernandes won possession in midfield, weaved through defenders, and unleashed a powerful long-range shot that slipped past the Geno goalkeeper.
However, Geno regained the lead in the 70th minute when Franky Oliveiro kept his cool to score the winner. Flan Gomes sent in a perfectly timed low cross from the left, which Oliveiro expertly dribbled past the goalkeeper and slotted into the net to seal the three points for Geno.
Geno made eight changes to their lineup after a previous loss to FC Goa. New recruit George Dsouza was positioned at center-back, while Niraj Parekh and Dishu Singh were deployed as full-backs. Midfielders Saideep Tate, Gaurav Kankonkar, and Mehbub Hublikar provided the engine in the middle, with Arun Naik and Krishna Gawas leading the attack.
In contrast, Guardian Angel manager Anand Rodrigues made four alterations to his side after their loss to Calangute Association. Gurpreet Singh took over goalkeeping duties, while Fernandes was placed in midfield. Preston Castano operated on the left, and Joywin Costa led the front line.
Geno came close to opening the scoring early, with Naik testing the Guardian Angel defense. He was denied by a crucial block from Milroy Clement, and a few minutes later, his close-range effort narrowly missed the target after a well-placed cross from Niraj Parekh.
Despite the early pressure, Geno took control in the second half. After Naik’s opener, Guardian Angel responded with determination, and Fernandes' long-range strike brought them level. But Geno's resilience paid off when Oliveiro's composed finish put his side back on top, securing a deserved victory.
