Panaji: India ran to glory when it won gold by overpowering Mozambique 3-2 in a thrilling final of the 3rd Lusofonia Games, played at Nehru stadium at Fatorda, Margao on Tuesday.
Goa (India) scored through Meldon D'Silva (3rd), Brendon Fernandes (40th) and Myron Fernandes (50th) while Dercio Matimbe (24th) and substitute Tubias Devis scored for Mozambique.
Backed by capacity crowd of 20,000, India started on a positive note and could have surged ahead early in the two minute when Myron Fernandes back heel was put out by rival keeper Cesar Machava.
A minute later, Mozambique citadel fell when defender D'Silva headed the ball into the far corner of the net, off a cross from Brendon Fernandes.
The speedy visitors, after the goal, found their rhythm and went on attacking, as they made series of moves with Edson Almeida forcing keeper Albino Gomes to make a leaping save and later Osvaldo Sunde's long ranger hit the bar.
However, after these close shaves, Mozambique found the equaliser when Dercio Matimbe who got the ball on top of the box, essayed a firm left-footer that found the net.
The goal spurred the visitors who piled pressure but India defended well, deep into their half and came with a counter move and earned a penalty in the 40th minute when the ball accidentally hit defender Osvaldo Sunde and referee Laba Khatri awarded the penalty, which Brendon Fernandes found the net to give hosts 2-1 lead at half time.
The second half was more exciting with both the team playing attacking game.
Mozambique went all out in search of the equaliser allowing gaps and India punished them with another goal in the 50th minute, when Myron Fernandes' angular drive beat rival keeper all ends up.
The visitors did not lose hopes and went on attacking from the flanks and reduced the margin in the 72nd minute through substitute Tubias Devis who found the net with a deft placement off a?cross from Osvaldo Sunde.
Thereafter, India held on grimly to emerge victors and win gold while Mozambique had to content with a silver.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka won a bronze medal by defeating Macau 3-0.
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