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SANTA CRUZ: Goa Medical College, Bambolim, showed grit and composure to
defeat Vidya Prabodhini College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Porvorim, 4-3 in the pre-quarterfinal match via tie-breaker, at the government football ground, Santa Cruz, on Saturday.
After trailing 0-1 at halftime, the contest was forced into a tie-breaker with a spirited second-half comeback by Goa Medical College to book quarter-finals berth in Servo Cup –3rd All-Goa Inter-Collegiate Football Tournament organised by the Herald Group in association with the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs (DSYA) and Goa University, and supported by Walbrue and Magsons.
The match began with an intense midfield battle, with both teams pressing hard and emotions running high. The tempo of the game resulted in yellow cards for players from both sides, with the first booking going to Bhavesh Gaunekar for not wearing shin guards.
Despite several instances of misplaced passing, the contest remained evenly poised.
Vidya Prabodhini College came close to opening the scoring early when a shot struck the goalpost and stayed in play. Their breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute, when Mehoob finished calmly after receiving a pass from Pradeep, giving Vidya Prabodhini a 1-0 lead at the break.
With Ranjeet Rajput, head of operations, Magsons, present as the guest of honour, the second half saw Goa Medical College, Bambolim return with renewed urgency.
Goa Medical College increased pressure on the opposition defence and were rewarded in the 38th minute, when Pratham Harji curled a superb free-kick past the goalkeeper to restore parity and take the match into penalties.
In the tie-breaker, both teams faltered with their opening kicks before converting their second attempts. Goa Medical College then displayed greater composure, converting their next three penalties, while Vidya Prabodhini missed two.
In the second match, Sridora Caculo College of Management, Mapusa, registered a commanding 3-0 victory over Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College of Arts and Commerce, Cujira, completing the line-up of teams progressing to the quarter-finals.
After a goalless first half, Sridora Caculo College found their rhythm in the closing stages. The deadlock was broken in the 33rd minute, when Shridharnath scored following a precise assist from Laximanrao Rane. Four minutes later, Mahadev Rane doubled the lead, once again capitalising on a delivery from Laximanrao Rane. The result was sealed in the 39th minute, with Laximanrao Rane himself finding the net after being set up by Rohan.
The match also witnessed disciplinary action in the 20th minute, with red cards shown to Prajyot Shirodkar of Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College of Arts and Commerce and Prathmesh Sawant of Sridora Caculo College of Management following rough play.
