FC Goa record emphatic win over Al Shabab in friendly match

Dubai: FC Goa beat Al Shabab 2-1 in their second friendly ahead of the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season 2, at the Al Shabab stadium here on Wednesday.

Zico made four changes from the 11 that started in the 2-2 draw against Al Khaleej. LaxmikantKattimani started in between the sticks in place of Elinton Andrade while Narayan Das, Pronay Halder and Darryl Duffy were handed starts in place of Debabrata Roy, Joaquim Abranches and Thongkhosiem Haokip.

The hosts hit on the gas early on, but the Goans managed to ward them off before Leo Moura's cross for Nicolau Colaco alerted the Al Shabab defense in the eighth minute.

Goa kept a good shape in the defense marshaled by marquee player Lucio despite having to deal with a couple of long efforts from their opponents. Reinaldo failed to control Moura's pass in the 27th minute. Two minutes later, it was 1-0 in favour of FC Goa with Jofre finding the back of the net through a deflected free-kick.

The ISL side kept up the ante but Narayan Das was deemed to have fouled an Al Shabab player inside the box, and as a result of the converted penalty both teams walked into the lemon break with the scoreline reading 1-1.

Crossing over, it was more of a battle for authority at the center of the park despite a couple of efforts made by FC Goa to move ahead.

Three quick changes for Goa saw Nicolau, who picked a slight injury, get replaced by Keenan Almeida. Jonatan Lucca and Romeo Fernandes came in place of Bikramjit Singh and Duffy respectively.

Jofre was blocked a shot at goal in the 66th minute after linking well with Narayan and on the other side Al Shabab let fly a free-kick from about 30 yards wide of the mark.

The 71st minute sent the FC Goa fans in Dubai in ruptures as Reinaldo restored his side's lead with a brilliant finish that was a succeeded from a pass by Romeo who dribbled past two opponents after receiving the ball from Moura.

Chants for Romeo filled the stadium as Al Shabab tried desperately to find a late equaliser and almost did so in the 84th minute off a header.

FC Goa had to survive the remaining minutes with 10 men on the pitch following the marching order given to skipper Lucio for high boots.