PANJIM: Don Bosco College, Panjim knocked-out strong contenders St Xavier’s College, Mapusa 5-4 via the tie-breaker to move into the next round of the ACF Trophy 2015, organized by Herald Group in association with Sygenta India Pvt Ltd, powered by Goa Football Development Council and principle sponsor Indian Oil Corporation, at Agassaim ground, on Saturday. At half time the score was tied at 1-1.
The teams played with urgency to get the first goal. In the very second minute, Alvito Travasso of Don Bosco College was booked by the match official for a rough tackle on the opponent.
However, Don Bosco College surged ahead in the fifth minute when Mark D’Souza played a beautiful ball to Razor Braganza, who timed his run well and shot the ball past St Xavier’s goalkeeper Fraser Fernandes.
The goal encouraged Don Bosco College as they went in search of another goal and were almost rewarded when Razor Braganza beat the St Xavier’s goalkeeper and shot the ball towards goal but it was St Xavier’s defender Jesmen Carvalho who made a timely interception and sent the ball for a corner, much to the relief of the St Xavier’s camp.
St Xavier’s upped the tempo and created a lot of chances. Winger Rowell Pinto displayed some excellent skills to beat his man and crossed the ball to Anant Gad, who headed the ball into the far corner.
St Xavier’s almost went 2-1 up but Rowell Pinto squared another ball towards striker Anson D’Souza, who controlled the ball and went for goal only for the woodwork to deny him.
The second half started on a fast pace with the teams playing attacking football. It was St Xavier’s that did most of the passing and held the upper hand in terms of ball possession but the Don Bosco defense marshaled by Alvito Travasso stood strong not allowing the opponents to penetrate.
Midway into the second half, St Xavier’s got two free-kicks, both in good positions but the finishing lacked conviction. With the scoreline remaining the same the match went into a penalty shootout where the Panjim-based lads proved to be better shooters. Alvito Travasso of Don Bosco College was awarded man-of-the-match for his solid performance in the defense.
Caculo College, Mapusa will take on Post Graduates of Goa University, Taleigao at Agassaim ground, on Sunday, The kick-off is at 4.30 p.m.
