Lusofonia games: India beat Mozambique in football

India on Monday defeated Mozambique 2-1 in their opening football match of group "B" in ongoing Lusofonia at Tilak Stadium, Vasco.

In the warm-up match, Indian team, comprising all Goan players, scored twice in the second half through Umesh Harijan (56th) and Mander Rao Dessai (60th).

Mozambique team, comprising U-20 national players, found the going tough against a disciplined and well-organised Indian side, however, reduced the margin in the 86th minute through Alexandre Guambe .

Indian and Mozambique teams have already made it to the semi-finals as they are only two participants in "B" group.

India, who played with five midfielders and a lone forward, did well to counter rival moves with Goa's sensation Brandon Fernandes controlling the midfield with aplomb and distributed the ball well.

India, who played a cautious game in the first-half, held their forte well and attacked the rival's citadel with fast counter moves. It came close to scoring twice in first-half. However, Umesh Harijan's try narrowly missed the goal off a move from Brandon and Myron.

Changing over, India went into attacking mode and were unlucky to see Umesh Harijan's header hitting the cross bar off a cross from Myron from the right.

After this close shave, Mozambique citadel fell in the 56th minute. Following a throw-in, Umesh Harijan chested the ball inside the box and uncorked a firm right-footer that sailed into far corner of the net.

The goal acted as a tonic and India increased the margin in the 60th minute.

Richard Costa from the centre laid a long pass to Mandar Desai who beat a rival defender inside the box and from an acute angle took a shot that found the net.

Mozambique than made a late rally and went all out in search of the equaliser and reduced the margin in the 86th minute through Alexandre Guambe.

Mozambique than made all out effort to equalise but Antonio Maticua who had an open chance inside the box shot out.