Lusofonia Games: Goa (India) down Mozambique to clinch football gold

Goa (India) clinched gold in the 3rd Lusofonia Games after edging Mozambique 3-2 in a thrilling final at Nehru stadium in Margao, on Tuesday.

Meldon D'Silva (3rd), Brendon Fernandes (40th) and Myron Fernandes (50th) found the back of the net for Goa while Dercio Matimbe (24th) and substitute Tubias Devis scored for Mozambique.

Playing in front of 20,000 supporters, India went on the prowl early in the match and struck jackpot.

In the 3rd minute, Meldon met a beautiful cross by Brandon and headed the ball into the far corner of the net to give Goa the lead.

The goal proved a wake-up call for the visitors who searched hard for the equaliser. A series of forward forays saw Edson Almeida forcing keeper Albino Gomes to make a leaping save and later Osvaldo Sunde's long ranger hit the bar.

Mozambique kept the Indian defence on their toes and found the equaliser just before half-time.

In the 40th minute Matimbe found possession on top of the box and struck a firm left-footer that found the net.

The goal spurred the visitors who piled pressure and challenged the Indian citadel. But the Goa defence thwarted the attacks and defended deep into their half that resulted in a counter-attack. The counter move earned Goa a penalty in the 40th minute when the ball accidentally hit defender Osvaldo Sunde and referee Laba Khatri awarded a penalty to the hosts.

Brendon Fernandes coolly slotted home from the spot and Goa went into the break with a 2-1 lead.

The second half was more exciting with both teams playing attacking game. Mozambique, looking for an equaliser had massive gaps in their defence and that allowed India to add to their lead.

In the 50th minute, Myron Fernandes's accurate angular drive beat the rival keeper all ends up.

With another 35 minutes to play Mozambique continued to attack India’s goal.

They forayed forward by attacking from the flanks and reduced the margin in the 72nd minute through substitute Tubias Devis.

Devis found the net with deft placement off a cross from Osvaldo Sunde.

Thereafter, India held on grimly to emerge triumphant.

Earlier, Sri Lanka won the bronze medal by defeating Macau 3-0.