Team Herald
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SANCOALE: BITS Pilani FC, Sancoale defeated United Youth Club of Bogmalo 2-1 in a exciting match of the GFA Second Division Football League (Mormugao Zone) played here at the BITS Pilani ground.
Bogmalo who needed a win to qualify for the playoff had a dream start as Ivan Fernandes scored a spectacular goal in the opening seconds of the match. His swirling kick from the right wing had no answer from Bits Pilani keeper Govind.
Michael Fernandes kept the Bogmalo midfield moving with good moves but it was star defender Amar Shetty who held the fort for BITS Pilani with good and timely clearances.
BITS Pilani’s Dani had an opportunity off a pass from Akhilesh but Bogmalo keeper Milbern Mendes made a brilliant save.
Then in the 44th minute Ivan delayed his attempt which gave BITS Pilani keeper Govind to make a superlative save.
In the second half BITS Pilani played a better game but it was Bogmalo’s Sarvesh Gawde who stopped the marauding BITS players with clean tackling. The introduction of prolific striker Aditya Gurjar added teeth to the BITS attack and off one such move Parv Dani who was wayward today scored the equaliser for BITS Pilani.
When it looked like the match was going to end 1-1, Akhilesh Joshi beat the offside trap to score the match-winner for BITS Pilani. Referee Shaikh Niazi controlled the proceedings of the crucial match with some prompt decisions.
BITS Pilani FC and Cortalim Villagers & Social Welfare Association have now qualified for the playoff from Mormugao Zone.
