Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Customs XI, Goa, emerged victorious against Central Goods and Services Tax XI, Goa, with a commanding 5-2 win in an exciting exhibition football match played to mark the celebration of GST Day 2025 at Santa Cruz ground, recently.
The match began with both teams displaying strong intent, but it was Customs XI who capitalised on their chances early. Their swift counterattacks and precise coordination gave them a 3-0 lead at halftime.
A standout performance came from V Udya Kumar, who netted a splendid hat-trick, thanks to exceptional playmaking by Customs XI Captain Charles Miranda. Miranda dazzled the crowd with his vision and creativity, setting up goal after goal with pinpoint passes. Other goal scorers for Customs XI were Bibin Mathew and Charles Miranda, who scored a goal each.
Despite the scoreline, CGST XI showed commendable effort. They created several golden opportunities but failed to convert. Saurabh Patil missed two clear chances with only the goalkeeper to beat. CGST XI’s Captain Ashrafali Makandar shot wide from close range in front of an open goal and Harshad Gadekar failed to tap in.
Customs XI’s defence was well marshalled by Wilfred Fernandes and Kishan Kholkar and particularly focused on neutralizing CGST XI veteran striker Frankie Mascarenhas, who had only one shot on target that narrowly missed the target.
The second half saw a spirited comeback attempt from CGST XI. Ashrafali scored a brilliant solo goal after dribbling past the Customs XI defence, courtesy of a fine assist by Ngaramni Marei.
Minutes later, Saurabh Patil made it 3-2 with a powerful header from a Mohit Sharma cross raising hopes of a comeback. But Customs XI went up 4-2 of a goal by Bipin Mathew shot was fumbled by CGST XI goalkeeper Bhanu Pratap Yadav. And finally Charles Miranda scored and completed the rout of 5-2 win for Customs XI.
During the last 15 minutes, CGST XI pressed the Customs XI citadel but
Customs XI goalkeeper Ashar Nomani stood tall, pulling off two crucial saves. CGST XI was also represented by enthusiastic and active Bipin Upadhyay. Present Commissioner of CGST was also in CGST XI playing.
The match was attended by a large and cheerful crowd, including officials and supporters from both departments. Despite the loss, CGST XI earned admiration for their fighting spirit and quality football. But ultimately, it was Customs XI who won the day with clinical finishing, solid defence and cohesive team play and good team work.
In attendance were dignitaries Commissioner of Customs, Goa, Sunil B Deshmukh; Commissioner of CGST XI, Goa, Bipin K Upadhyay and other dignitaries.