AMBELIM: Royal Builders defeated Skyla Strikers 3-2 via the tie-breaker in the Sevens Women’s Football Festival, organised by Goa Sevens and Ambelim Sports Club played at Ambelim Sports Complex, Ambelim, on Thursday.
Both the teams having lost their opening games brought in new feet to boost their line-up. Royal Builders brought in four players, with Mayflower Colaco, Daisy Crasto, Clency Miranda and Leincy Peixoto in the starting seven. On the other hand, Skyla Strikers brought in Cifa Lima and Medha Prabhu.
Skyla Strikers were the first team to look at goal with Valanka D’Souza collecting the ball from midfield only to find her powerful strike hit the top of the crossbar in the 3rd minute.
On the other hand, Michel Castanha of Royal Builders tried her luck from far, only to find her strike go a whisker high from the target.
In the next minute, Michel’s shot off a free kick from the edge was swiftly sent for a corner by the Skyla keeper. Valanka and Janice Gomes looked dangerous for the Skyla side upfront but a strong Michel Castanha at the back cleared the danger balls placed forward. Diasy Crasto had a chance for the Royal Builders but she lacked finishing as both sides headed into half time goalless.
Post resumption, Royal Builders were quick to score through Michelle Castanha who sent a right footed screamer right into the top right corner.
Janice Gomes was quick to react to Avia Vas’ initial shot which hit the crossbar. Janice intelligently shot the ball over the goalie to restore parity in the match for Skyla Strikers.
Michelle Castanha looked for another goal from yet another long ranger but this time Skyla Strikers goalkeeper was quick enough to save the ball. Despite all efforts from both sides none of the teams were able to get the winning goal.
In the tie breaker, Dishna Kumar and Mabel Mascarenhas netted their penalties and Michelle Castanha made a decisive save to win the match for Royal Builders, earning the woman of the match award.
In another match, Chinchinim Angels beat Black Arrows 3-1 via the tie breaker after both sides played a goalless draw.
Both the sides having won their first games, began the game on an attacking note. The Chinchinim side had an upper hand in the game with better passing and runs down the flank.
The first half witnessed an equal fight but both sides failed to convert. Just before half time, Marlat Cardozo should have given the Angels a lead but the latter found her shot blocked by the Arrows keeper Ashika Gadekar.
In the second half, the Black Arrows came out strong in search of the opener as Ansiva Vaz who previously scored a hat-trick for her side in the opening game had a chance but she shot wide.
Chinchinim Angels kept moving forward through Marlat Cardozo who displayed some fine runs but shots wide.
Ansiva Vaz’s shot from the left side but her strike was tapped away by the diving Chinchinim keeper Joseline.
The final minutes witnessed both sides try hard to find the all-important goal but failed to convert the chances.
In the tie breaker, Chinchinim Angels scored through Valenie Fernandes, Stessi Cardozo and Joseline D’Souza while the opposition converted through Ansiva Vaz.
