I-League 2015-16: Stalemate at Goa gives DSK Shivajians first point

Starting lineups:

Sporting Clube de Goa: Arindam Bhattacharya, Matthew Gonsalves, Loveday Enyinnaya, Joseph Clement, Dharmaraj Ravanan, Rowlin Borges, Pratesh Shirodkar, Glan Martins, Nicholas Fernandes, Odafe Onyeka Okolie (c), Mahmoud Amnah

DSK Shivajians FC: Subrata Paul, Rohan Adnaik, Don Fernandes, Zohib Islam Amiri, Zohmingliana Ralte, Justin Stephen, Indrajit Chougale, Surchandra Singh, Douhou Pierre, Mohammed Rafi, Aser Pierrick Dipanda

After losing their opening match against East Bengal 1-3, the Flaming Oranje looked to register their first win of the league against DSK Shivajins. However, a spirited performance from the newbies was enough to earn them their first-ever point in the league. DSK started with Indian International goalkeeper Subrata Paul, veteran forward Mohammed Rafi and foreigners Douhou Pierre, Zohib Islam Amiri and captain Aser Pierrick Dipanda in their line-up.

DSK coach Derrick Pereira played a defensive game in the away match, and it worked in their favour with Odafa and co unable to break the deadlock even after numerous attempts. Subrata Paul made numerous saves for the away side against Sporting, who controlled the majority of the game. The Pune side focussed on counter attacks and set pieces for their goal with Mohammed Rafi leading the line.

Sporting captain Odafa Okolie had half a dozen chances to put his team ahead only to see Subrata Paul standing tall between him and the goal. The Indian International custodian commanded his box brilliantly and stopped the Goan side many a time through diving saves. In the 28th minute of the match, Sporting forward, Mahmoud Amnah had the chance of the match after Nicholas Fernandes put the forward in with a pass. Amnah’s twenty-yard strike at the goal, however, was not enough to get past the Indian International custodian.

DSK became, even more, defensive in the second half, and the Goan side came close to scoring many a time only to be thwarted by Subrata Paul. The last moments of the match also provide some controversy with Subrata Paul saving the ball off the line after a header from Odafa on a corner. Protests from the Goan side were shooed away by the assistant referee as the final whistle sounded at the Fatorda.