Goa Pro League: Champions Salgaocar FC held by promoted Laxmi Prasad

Defending champions Salgaocar FC were held to a late one-all draw by promoted Laxmi Prasad SC in the Goa Pro League at the Duler ground in Mapusa on Thursday afternoon.

Claude Gnakpa had given Salgaocar a first half lead, which Reagan Pereira equalised in the 90th minute.

Salgaocar FC stay in second spot with 14 points from seven matches, while Laxmi Prasad stay in fifth with 11 points from as many matches.

Mauricio Freeman Peixoto had the first chance of the match for Laxmi Prasad, but his shot went wide of the goal. At the other end, debutant Claude Gnakpa of France headed in Salgaocar’s lead of a Gilbert Oliveira corner in the 10th minute.

But Laxmi Prasad weren’t shocked and stayed in the game. In the 33rd minute they earned a penalty for a foul from Nicolau Colaco on former team mate Remus Gomes, but Steven Fernandes shot the penalty wide. Before the break, Alvito Miranda had another chance to equalise, but he too failed.

Going into the second half, Salgaocar continued their wait and watch approach as they seemed sure that their one goal lead would be enough to bag them the full points, while Laxmi Prasad pressed for the equaliser.

Salgaocar had their chances to double the lead through counter-attacks with the best chance falling for Scotsman Darryl Duffy, but his effort was easily collected by keeper Reagan Juliao.

Laxmi Prasad’s persistence was rewarded with a 90th minute equaliser when substitute Reagan Pereira unleashed a long-range effort which beat Albino Gomes and gave them a deserving equaliser against the champions.

Salgaocar FCAlbino Gomes – Rosario Mendes, Augustine Melwyn Fernandes, Leny, Nicolau Colaco – Aslon Oliveira, Rocus Lamare [C], Clifton Dias, Gilbert Oliveira – Claude Gnakpa, Darryl Alexander Duffy