Internet Desk : Atletico Paranaense U-23 side made easy work of their opponent Watford FC U-21 as they comfortably defeated them 2-0 in the inaugural match of the Sait Nagjee International Club Football Tournament. Luis Felippe and Joao Pedro were the scorers for the Brazilian outfit.
The match was played in front of a sell out crowd at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode . Watford missed a golden chance to take the early lead as Alex Jakubiak’s shot went wide.
The Hornets, who included Sean Murray in their team, went in level at half-time, but their Brazilian counterparts notched twice in three minutes just after the hour-mark to secure the win.
In-front of a packed stadium, Alex Jakubiak had the Hornets’ best opportunity of the first-half, but he couldn’t convert when well-placed.
The game was very much in the balance at the interval, however two Paranaense strikes in succession would prove to be the difference.
Luis Felippe’s powerful drive found its way past goalkeeper Luke Simpson to open the scoring, before Joao Pedro finished off his own personal work on the right-flank to double their advantage.
Skipper George Byers and Bernard Mensah both had opportunities to halve the deficit, but they were unable to put away their chances, as Paranaense claimed the victory.
Tomorrow Argentina U-23 will take on TSV 1860 Munich in the second match of the tournament.