FC Goa win 3-2 against Minerva Punjab in pre-season friendly

FC Goa defeated Minerva Punjab 3-2 in a pre-season friendly at the Bambolim Athletic Stadium on Tuesday. Len Doungel, Coro and Jackichand Singh netted for the Gaurs while Asier Dipanda Dicka and Makan Winkle Chothe bagged for the visitors.

Sergio Lobera’s men started with Coro up front flanked by the two Manipuri goal-scorers on either side. Princeton Rebello played in midfield, alongside Lenny Rodrigues and Edu Bedia, while Naveen Kumar started in goal.

The hosts got off to a lightning-fast start when Jackichand Singh’s cross found Doungel who headed it in. Doungel was again in for a second, but Bhaskar Roy’s quick reflexes saved his side. Minerva then equalised as Dicka was afforded a tap-in.

Coro then finished off a straight-forward chance as the Gaurs re-took the lead. Saviour Gama then conceded a penalty after a trip on a Minerva attacker. Naveen Kumar saved expertly from Dicka as FC Goa maintained their lead. 

After half-time, Jacki extended the lead with a neat finish as the home side’s lead extended to two goals. Chothe then pulled another back for the visitors as he headed past Nawaz in goal. FC Goa’s substitutes then kept the Minerva attackers at bay for another win. The Gaurs have now won 6 of their 7 pre-season friendlies this year.