There was a feeling of déjà vu for the Flaming Oranje fans, as Victorino Fernandes for the second match in succession came of the bench to net the equalizer as Sporting Clube de Goa drew 1-1 with Dempo Sports Club in a GFA Goa Pro League Round 2 match at the Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Sunday. Dempo led 1-0 at the interval.
Dempo had the lion share of possession in the open exchanges and deserved to be in front in the 17th minute. A mix up in the Sporting Goa defence saw the ball essayed to Dempo striker Joy Ferrao who looked utterly composed as he guided the ball into the far corner of the net.
Cometh the hour cometh the man, India International Victorino Fernandes was seen warming up before half time and was promptly unleashed in the second half for the Flaming Oranje.
With four minutes left on the clock, Sporting Goa captain Jovel Martins sprinted down the left side and hoisted in a succulent ball which Victorino took a stab at in the air to fire in the equalizer and send the copious crowd into raptures.
GFDC Technical director Katz Naido was watching on from the stands and looked elated with the striker’s choice of technique in applying the finishing touch.