Defender Remus Gomes's late goal guided former champions Salgaocar to a 2-1 victory over Fransa Pax in a ninth National Football League match, marred by poor refereeing, at the Nehru stadium, in Margao, Goa, on Tuesday.
Fransa Pax suffered an early jolt when referee Shaji Kurian awarded a penalty to Salgaocar after Fransa defender Sanjeev Maria bought down Felix Ibrebru inside the box while going for a tackle. Ibrebru converted the spot-kick.
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The referee awarded a free-kick after defender Bello Rasaq gave a back pass to goalkeeper Juje Siddi. Jules Dias, who took the free-kick, found his shot deflected by the defender and go to Saini, who nodded home.
Fransa, who made several forays into the rivals box, had two chances to take the lead but keeper Juje made a good save to deny Jules Dias and Joseph Ogar.
Salgaocar went all out in the dying minutes and scored the winner two minutes before the end when Remus Gomes headed home a well-directed free kick by Prashat Jaggi.
The victory took Salgaocar's tally to 11 points from 9 matches. They climb to fifth place while Fransa Pax remain on fourth place with 13 points from 9 matches.