RAIA: The Vedanta Youth Cup U-15 match between Sesa Football Academy and FC Goa saw some exciting action, at Ella ground, Old Goa, on Monday.
Both teams started on a positive note, attacking from end to end football. The play was restricted to the midfield as the game progressed. As the teams approached to the half time, a delay from the Sesa Football Academy goalkeeper to collect the ball in the air led to FC Goa player Lesvin Rebello scoring from the header. It was 1-0 at half time. As second half started, Sesa FA tried their best to keep the pressure on the opponents but FC Goa players were alert enough to keep their lead.
Sesa FA player Johnson Rana who had a good game defensively, was always trying to make inroads and also tried launching long balls to his teammates but Sesa FA strikers were not able to create any danger to their opponents. FC Goa skipper Cayden and their goalkeeper Gourav Shetty had stable performances.
The match ended with 1-0 victory to FC Goa. FC Goa and Belgaum United FA had progressed to the semi-finals and Sesa FA has bowed out from the tournament.
In another exciting match at the artificial turf, Fatorda, Dempo SC secured a narrow 2-1 win against Salgaocar FC. From the opening whistle, Salgaocar FC displayed a strong grip on possession, continuously creating opportunities. Mohammed Gundar unleashed an early shot, narrowly missing the mark, setting the tone for a lively contest. Valan D’Sa from Salgaocar FC took a shot, but Dempo SC’s goalkeeper Adriano Fernandes, made a safe catch.
However, it was a critical moment in the 14th minute that proved to be the turning point of the match. Declan Monteiro of Dempo SC capitalised on a goalkeeper’s error, breaking the deadlock and sending the Dempo SC faithful into jubilation. As the first half came to a close, Dempo SC held a narrow 1-0 lead.
The intensity continued after the break, with Declan nearly doubling the score, only to be thwarted by the agile Jonathan Mascarenhas, Salgaocar FC’s goalkeeper.
But Dempo SC was relentless in their pursuit of victory. In the 42nd minute, Vasu Atmaram Redkar delivered a crucial assist to Declan Monteiro, who calmly netted his second goal of the match, securing a brace.
Salgaocar FC wasn’t willing to go down without a fight. In the 43rd minute, Emmanuel Gama struck back, reducing the deficit with a well-taken goal. However, despite their efforts, it was not enough to overturn Dempo SC’s lead.
When the final whistle blew, the scoreline stood at 2-1 in favour of Dempo SC, solidifying their position as the victors of this fiercely contested battle.
Meanwhile, at the same venue, South Goa United and Bengaluru FC battled to a 1-1 draw. Bengaluru FC took an early lead in the 2nd minute through S Chinmay, but South Goa United’s Ismail Nayak equalised in the 28th minute, ensuring a share of the points.
