Team Herald
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MAPUSA: Goa produced their most complete display of the group stage to defeat Karnataka 2-0 in the concluding match of 79th National Football Championship Santosh Trophy 2025-26 Group H fixture, finishing the campaign with four points and on a positive note.
Karnataka dominated possession for much of the first half, pinning Goa back and testing their defensive organisation. Goa, however, remained compact and disciplined, limiting the hosts to few clear chances.
The breakthrough came against the run of play in first-half stoppage time. In the 45+2 minute, Arnold Oliveira initiated the move before finding Stendly Fernandes, who combined neatly with Vellington Fernandes. With Karnataka’s defence caught high, Vellington returned the ball into space for Stendly, who finished confidently to give Goa a 1-0 lead at the interval.
Goa built on that momentum after the restart and nearly doubled the advantage in the 47th minute, only for Karnataka goalkeeper Sujay S to make a sharp save. Karnataka pushed for an equaliser, but Goa goalkeeper Sanij Bugde produced a vital save in the 68th minute.
A minute later, Goa sealed the contest. Joshua D’Silva chased down a long ball and forced his way through two defenders to score and make it 2-0.
Goa controlled the closing stages, with Ariston Costa cautioned for a robust challenge, while Salgeo Dias was denied a late third in stoppage time by another save from Sujay S.
Speaking after the match, Goa head coach Kennan Almeida said: “Today’s win concludes the group stage with a second-place finish for us. The boys gave their all in every match. I have no complaints at all in regards to their efforts and commitment.
“Yes, there were a few individual errors here and there that cost us in the first two matches. But having said that, these players have a lot of potential and we need to believe in them and move ahead. It is not about getting success overnight. We need to believe in our boys and push ahead,” concluded Almeida.
Goa finished Group H with four points, behind Services on nine, followed by Karnataka on three and Lakshadweep on one.
