PANJIM: Padre Conceicao College of Engineering (PCCE), Verna edged past archrivals Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda 1-0 to storm into the final of the ACF Trophy All-Goa Inter-Collegiate football tournament, organized by Herald Group in association with Sygenta India Pvt Ltd, powered by Goa Football Development Council and principle sponsors Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, at Rosary ground, Navelim, on Friday.
There was no score in the first session.
It was Don Bosco that showed urgency in the opening minutes and almost broke the deadlock in the fifth minute but striker Joyston Fernandes couldn’t intercept a ball played towards the PCCE goal.
Don Bosco made forays into the PCCE defense but their final finishing let them down. Midway it was more of a midfield battle with both teams trying to maintain ball possession.
Five minutes before the half, PCCE did get a chance when Vally Vaz crossed the ball towards Yadriff Borges but the striker lacked fire power.
The second half started with PCCE playing with more intensity to break the deadlock as coach Savio Fernandes deployed his attackers forward.
Ten minutes into the second half, PCCE took the lead through star midfielder Sammy D’Souza. The medio received the ball at the edge of the penalty area and displayed good skills to strike from 18-yards, giving no chance to goalkeeper Deston Cardoso.
The goal only helped increase the confidence of a rejuvenated PCCE side that increased their attacking intensity and almost doubled their tally. A corner kick taken by PCCE player was well intercepted by ace defender Ayesh Tari that missed the target by a whisker.
On two occasions, Yadriff and Steve also missed chances to increase their tally.
The Don Bosco defense did impress a lot as they didn’t succumb to the pressure. Presley Gomes worked in tandem to help his team get an equalizer but his efforts did not materialize.
Ten minutes before the final whistle, Kenneth Crasto worked hard and played a through ball to striker Joyston Fernandes, who couldn’t really finish the ball effectively.
The match official, Maria Rebello finally blew the final whistle much to the joy of PCCE, who have made it through to their first ever major final. They now face North Goa Champions Fr Agnel College, Pilar in the final on November 15, at Rosary ground, Navelim.
