Guardian Angel SC secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Vasco SC in the Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Thursday.
Vasco SC broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, with Lalnunsiama launching a long ball to Neihsial. The striker skillfully controlled the pass, dribbled past a defender, and chipped the ball over the Guardian Angel goalkeeper to put his team ahead. However, Guardian Angel equalized late in the match after a defensive blunder by Vasco. Godwin Fernandes capitalized on the mistake, feeding Cyril Dias, who slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
Moments later, Guardian Angel completed their comeback when Fredrich Fernandes delivered a precise low cross from the right, allowing Velroy Cardoso to tap it in and secure the win.
Vasco head coach Joao Rebello made five changes to his lineup following a stalemate against Calangute Association, introducing Flagan Rodrigues in defense and deploying Samaresh Mondal on the left flank. Omkar Gaunkar took charge of the right wing, Neihsial orchestrated play from the center, and Lalnunzama led the attack. In contrast, Guardian Angel coach Riston Rodrigues made just one adjustment, bringing in Joywin Costa to bolster the forward line after a heavy defeat to Goa Police.
The opening ten minutes saw Vasco SC trying to control the midfield, while Guardian Angel remained a constant threat in the final third. Vasco came close to scoring when Neihsial threaded a perfect through ball to Lalnunzama, who dribbled past the Guardian Angel goalkeeper but shockingly headed the ball wide of an open net.
At the other end, Guardian Angel nearly found the breakthrough but were denied by the crossbar. Airen Fernandes delivered a pinpoint cross, finding Preston Castano, whose first-time effort grazed the crossbar before going out for a goal kick.
In the second half, Vasco came out with renewed intent, finally breaking through in the 56th minute. Neihsial's brilliant control and calm chip over the Guardian Angel goalkeeper put Vasco ahead.
Guardian Angel responded with determination, with Joywin Costa's powerful shot hitting the side post. Vasco nearly doubled their lead when Kenneth Pereira whipped in a dangerous cross, finding Lalnunzama, but a crucial save from the Guardian Angel goalkeeper kept his side in the match.
In the dying moments, Guardian Angel found their equalizer when Cyril Dias took advantage of a defensive error, slotting the ball home after being set up by Godwin Fernandes.
Fueled by the late equalizer, Guardian Angel sealed the victory when Fredrich Fernandes's low cross found Velroy Cardoso, who tapped it in to secure all three points for his side.