MARGAO: Rosary College Navelim edged past Chowgule College, Borda 10-9 via the sudden death to move into the quarter-finals of the 2nd ACF Inter-Collegiate Trophy Football tournament, organized by Herald Group in association with Sygenta India Pvt Ltd, powered by Goa Football Developmental Council (GFDC) and principle sponsors Indian Oil, at the artificial turf ground, outside Nehru Stadium, here, on Sunday.
In the opening stages of the match, it was Rosary College who had the upper hand over their opponents with good short passes. Steve Fernandes of Rosary College spurred a beautiful chance to put his team ahead 10 minutes into match as the striker failed to finish in a one-to-one situation.
Against all odds, Rosary College were in a difficult situation when a defensive lapse by allowed Chowgule College’s Srijith M space, only for the striker to delay his shot.
Rosary College continued to move forward but the rival defense stood their ground and gave no chance to their opponents.
With five minutes to go for the half time whistle, Chowgule College were left frustrated after a timely interception by rival defender Alson Fernandes.
The teams made a cautious start to the second session with the play being restricted to the midfield. Rosary College did get an opportunity to strike when Steve Fernandes set up Samson Simoes but the latter’s effort did not materialize.
At the other end, Chowgule College threatened with a counter-attack and their efforts finally bore fruit when striker Lyndon Cardoso received a beautiful ball from the midfield and made no mistake to place the ball to the far corner.
However, the goal did not deter the spirits of Rosary College as they worked tirelessly in search of that equalizer. Chowgule College missed their best chance to seal the match after a Rosary defender made a defensive error and the ball fell to Chowgule College’s Lyndon Cardoso but the striker lacked firepower.
The match became frantic in the dying minute and with five minutes remaining for the final whistle, Rosary College equalized as Simon Dais crossed the ball to Samson Simoes and the latter fed Snedden Mediera, who made no mistake from close range.
In the resultant tie-breaker, Rosary College maintained their composure and outwitted their opponent’s via-sudden death 10-9. The quarter-finals will be played on November 6 and 7. Damodar College, PCCE Verna, Don Bosco Engineering College and Rosary College, Navelim have made it into the last eight.
