SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2024
Team Herald
MAPUSA: FC Goa had to wait for the sudden death before they got the better of Churchill Brothers SC by 5-4 margin to book a place in the group stage of the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy organised by Goa Football Association at Duler Stadium, here, on Sunday.
Young Gaurs were indeed a better side in the first session but crosses from both the flanks were connected over the crossbar by Lemmet Tangvah and Akash Oraow.
Brison Fernandes’ shot was blocked by Churchill Bros goalkeeper Harry.
Lemmet Tangvah and Aditya Salgaocar failed to keep their headers inside the Churchill Bros framework. At the other end, Red Machine did shine in patches but strikers Trijoy Dias and Lunminlen Haokip shots hit rival defender for a corner.
On crossing ends, play was mostly restricted to midfield. Young Gaurs did come twice close in opening their account but Brison Fernandes header off Malsawntlanga corner travelled just over the crossbar.
Minutes later, Likson Rebello collected a through pass from Vellington Fernandes but failed to dribble past the onrushing Churchill Bros goalkeeper.
With the regulation time ending in a goalless draw, the winner was decided via penalty shootout.
For winners FC Goa, colts Briston Fernandes, Laltlanzova, Vellington Fernandes, Likson Rebello and Sitroy Carvalho scored on target, while for Churchill Brothers SC Richard Costa, Janio Fernandes, Tipanna, Bradley Carvalho scored. Alent Colaco and Khundongbam Singh shot out.
With this match, the final group stage main draw has been decided.
Group A: Cortalim Villagers, Sesa FA, Sporting Clube de Goa, Mumbai City FC. Group B: FC Goa, Dempo SC, Panjim Footballers, Kerala Blasters.
