Panjim Footballers produced a determined performance to hold FC Goa to a 1-1 draw in the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy at Duler Stadium on Saturday. The result will be seen as a positive for the underdogs, who fought back from an early setback to earn a point against their Indian Super League reserve team.

FC Goa took the lead in the 18th minute through Brison Fernandes, who capitalized on a good cross from Akash Oraow. However, their advantage was short-lived. A minute later, a goalkeeping error by Leewan Castsanha gifted Panjim Footballers an equalizer. Ajay Raj pounced on the loose ball and slotted it home to restore parity.

FC Goa suffered another blow just before halftime when Vellington Fernandes was sent off for a rash tackle. Despite playing with a numerical disadvantage, they continued to press for the winning goal in the second half.

The introduction of Zozoa and Lemmet bolstered FC Goa's attack, but the Panjim Footballers' defense stood firm. Tejabahudur Thapa emerged as a hero for the underdogs with a crucial goal-line clearance in the dying moments to deny Zozoa and secure a well-deserved point for Panjim Footballers.