A wasteful Salgaocar side goes down 1-0 against Royal Wahingdoh

Royal Wahingdoh upset host Salgaokar in I-League encounter

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A spirited Royal Wahingdoh side created an upset to defeat might Salgaocar FC 1-0 at the Fatorda stadium Goa. The newly promoted side from Shillong picked up their second win on a trot to move up to the top of the table. Derrick Perreira’s side, on the other hand, is yet to register their first win in the Hero I-League.

Royal Wahingdoh took an early lead

Upcoming Indian star Jackiechand Singh scored the all-important goal in the 7th minute of the game to seal crucial three points for the away side. Royal Wahingdoh’s marquee player Densil Theobald sent a long ball which was received by Jackiechand after a misunderstanding between defender Augustin Fernandes and custodian Subrata Paul.

After conceding the goal, Salgaocar pressed hard in the opponent’s half. They enjoyed better ball possession but failed to create any goal scoring chance. The Salgaocar defense messed up yet again after defender Francis Kasonde gave an easy ball to Jackiechand. Beekay Bawar got the ball from the goal scorer, but his long range shot was somehow saved by the ace goalkeeper Subrata Paul.

Salgaocar wasted plenty of opportunities

Salgaocar got a golden opportunity to restore parity in the second half. Wahingdoh goalkeeper Nikhil Bernard’s miss kick was intercepted by Bikash Jairu but the young midfielder forwarded a feeble pass to Douhou Pierre which was intercepted by Wahingdoh defenders.

Salgaocar continued to dominate the proceedings, but Royal Wahingdoh defenders were instrumental in protecting their solitary goal lead. Around the 67th minute mark, Salgaocar won a free-kick. Douhou’s curling free-kick which was somehow saved by Nikhil Bernard. Francis Kasonde received the ball from rebound and crossed towards Augustin Fernandes who failed to score from just 6 yards wide.

In the dying moments of the game, Bikash Jairu missed yet another chance to score from a very close range. Douhou provided a brilliant pass but Jairu’s shot directly went to Bernard’s safe hands.

Salgaocar missed the services of their English striker Darryl Duffy to injury problems. Duffy’s absence is thoroughly reflected into the game as Derrick Perriera’s men failed to convert easy chances. Salgaocar are placed at the bottom of the table with just 1 point from the first two games. Royal Wahingdoh on the other climbed up to the top of the table with 100% win rate.