TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Sirlim Sports Club prevailed over Betalbatim Sporting Club 4-3 via the tie-breaker to emerge South Goa Zonal Champions of GFA Under 14 football tournament at Cansaulim Sports Complex, held recently.
Sirlim Sports Club held the upper hand in the opening sessions and broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when striker Ashwin Fernandes slotted past the rival goalkeeper off a cross from Cain D’Costa. Spurred by the early success, Sirlim Sports Club intensified their forays and put their opponents on the back foot. After a brief lull Betalbatim Sporting Club raised the tempo and fired couple of shorts against the rival citadel. Neutan Fernandes neutralized the lead in injury time.
Crossing over, both the teams adopted an aggressive approach but without any success. Late in the second half both the teams went all out in search of match winner but both defences stood strong.
In the penalty shoot out, Leo Rebello, Stanley Fernandes and Ryan Pinto were successful for Sirlim Sports Club while Daniel Coelho and Cidroy Baptista scored for Betalbatim Sporting Club.
“I am happy with the result and was thrilled to become champions and attributed the victory for the collective brilliance of the players. The boys played well and through there were moments of uncertainty they quickly regrouped and settled well and we remained unbeaten through out the tournament said Franky Fernandes coach of Sirlim Sports Club.
