FC Goa reserves outplayed Madhya Bharat Sports Club 5-1, in their first-round clash of the 2nd division I-League at the Bambolin Athletic Stadium in Panjim on Friday. Meanwhile, Ozone FC Bengaluru edged past Kerala Blasters Reserves 4-1 securing full points from their opening tie.
Listo Colaco of FC Goa reserves drew first blood for the hosts as his strike in the second minute gave them an early advantage. No further goals were scored in the first half of the play. Aaren D Silva doubled the lead in the 17th minute, while Mohammad Yashir made it 3-0 just on the stroke of half-time.
Haileuyibe Iranggau pulled one back for the visitors after his goal in the second half made the scores 3-1. Krishna Pandit made it sure that Madhya Bharat Sports Club never got back into the match after his goal in the 59th minute made the score line 4-1.
The credit also goes to the midfielders of FC Goa reserves Kingslee Fernandes and Hayden Fernandes who controlled the game throughout and, gave the occasional passes to the forwards. Aaren D Silva scored his second goal of the match in the 67th minute to seal the deal for his team.
Ozone FC Bengaluru earned vital points in their away fixture to Kerala Blasters reserves to successfully start their league campaign. Robert D Souza opened the scoresheet with a 21st-minute strike which opened the floodgates for the visitors. Experienced campaigner Sabeeth Sathyan scored back to back goals in the 28th and the 41st minute respectively to snatch the game away from the Kerala outfits.
Robert D Souza completed his brace in the 42nd minute to make it 4-0 before the midway break. Riswanali Edakkavil scored a consolation goal in the 47th minute for the Kerala Blasters reserves at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Kolkata giants Mohammedan Sporting Club will face the likes of Chennayin Football Club reserves on Saturday afternoon to maintain their winning run after securing full points in the first tie. On the other hand, FC Kerala will try to make a positive start to their campaign when they take on Fateh Hyderabad FC in a 4 pm kick-off.