MAPUSA: Goa University 1988 Batch, the winners of All-India University Title, managed to edge past Stars of Candolim-Calangute 2-1 in an Exhibition Football match played at Dr Gustavo Monteiro Ground, Candolim, recently.
In an absorbing match it was a delight to watch yesteryears players Claudio, Paixao, Rosario, Raymond, Roy Baretto and Bruno Coutinho shine for Goa University while Allwyn Fernandes, Patrick shone for Stars of Calangute-Calangute.
In the 10th minute, Stars of Calangute-Calangute’s Allwyn goal-bound strike was brilliantly collected by the rival goalkeeper Oswald D’Costa. Three minutes later, this time Allwyn efforts hit the crossbar.
In the 18th minute, Lino Pereira dribbled past the Stars of Calangute-Calangute defence and placed the ball to the right of the rival keeper Xavier Fernandes 1-0.
In the 22nd minute, Goa University got a penalty when Patrick Gonsalves brought down Claude Pacheco inside the danger zone. Fausto Lobo converted the penalty 2-0.
In the second half, it was a game changer and Stars of Candolim-Calangute started with dangerous moves with Allwyn, Alex Alvares, Frankie Mascarenhas, Francis Fernandes and Genive Fernandes excelling.
Allwyn long range shot from outside the penalty box gave no chance to Goa University Goalkeeper Oswald to make it 2-1, after receiving an accurate pass from Genive.
With 10 minutes to go for whistle, Stars of Candolim-Calangute would have come out victorious since thrice they came very close to scoring. First a snap shot by Alex just missed the target, then it was Allwyn with only the keeper at his mercy shot wide and in the closing stages Frankie almost equalised when he after cutting past Fausto, the Goa University defender, shoot only to be an excellent save by Oswaldo, who was outstanding for Goa University.
