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CAVELOSSIM: Hosts Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim (SCC) secured a narrow 1-0 victory over United Club of Seraulim to enter the quarterfinals, of the Cavelossim Panchayat Cup football tournament, organised by SCC and played at the Fr Druston and Wellington ground, Cavelossim.
Cavelossim dominated the first half, with midfielders Darren Estibeiro and Dezwin Dias combining well, supported by Leandro Fernandes, who used his height effectively to intercept aerial balls. The decisive goal came when veteran Raju Cardozo lofted a pass to Leandro, who headed the ball into the path of Stanford Fernandes. Stanford’s first-time shot beat goalkeeper Milton De Souza to give Cavelossim the lead.
Seraulim’s Nagab Khan and Keith Rodrigues attempted to equalise with decent strikes, but Cavelossim goalkeeper Canute D’Mello stood firm.
In the second half, Seraulim intensified their attack. Dickson Rogtao delivered a precise cross from the left flank to Saksham Shanke, whose powerful grounder was punched away for a corner. Despite dominating play, Seraulim could not find the net. Against the run of play, Cavelossim’s Leandro Fernandes dribbled past two defenders but squandered a golden opportunity to double the lead.
Substitute Selroy Fernandes of Seraulim came close to equalising with a header from a corner, but Canute D’Mello was well-positioned to make a crucial save, ensuring Cavelossim’s victory.
Saksham Shanke of United Club of Seraulim was awarded man-of-the-match by Ghanshyam Singh Rathore, general manager of Hathi Mahal, Cavelossim.
