FATORDA: Velsao Sports and Cultural Club defeated the league Champions Salgaocar FC 2-0 to make their way into the Goa Professional League, in the Geno First Division League match played at Artificial turf Fatorda, on Friday.
Velsao SCC scored a goal each in the either sessions to qualify for Goa Pro League.
Despite Velsao finished second behind Salgaocar FC, they earned the proportion as the Green Brigade are already plying their trade in Goa Pro League and have been using the first division league as a platform to give more playing time to their youngsters. Either of the teams started the match on an attacking note however, Velsao SCC shot into the lead in the 10th minute itself through Klusner Pereira’s strike.
Salgaocar FC tried to get on level terms but the Velsao side defended resolutely to hold their 1-0 lead.
Post resumption, Velsao went on to net yet another goal as Anthony Cardozo dribbled past the defenders and shot past the rival keeper to make it 2-0 in the 55th minute.
“Our players have given more than their 100%. We had a very small squad but the players who were injured even went on the field and gave their best and their efforts have paid at last. I would like to thank my mentor Severino Fernandes who have helped me enter the field of coaching. I also appreciate Salgaocar FC and congratulate them on winning the Geno First Division League and also thank GFA for organising such a great tournament.,” Jonathan Fernandes, Velsao SCC.
Salgaocar FC had their fair share of chances but their strikers faltered. In their best chance to narrow the margin Karan Shirodkar sent in an inch-perfect ball from right flank to Jeniton D’souza but the latter’s feeble touch sent the ball into the keepers grasp as the match ended 2-0 in favour of Velsao SCC.
“We are happy to be the Champions, our players have given their best and with their hard work we have achieved this feat. Being the young side have have shown the intensity which they can work with. We dedicate our trophy to our bosses Shivanand Salgaocar and his family,” Salgaocar Coach
In another match played at Duler Stadium, St Savio SC defeated Goa Police 3-2.
Sheikh Sailiya netted the first goal of the match for Goa Police in the 14th minute, however, St Savio SC rallied to level terms in the 25th minute through Siddarth Shirodkar.
St Savio SC scored two more goals through Sashank Naik and Jerose Oliveira in the 26th and 43rd minutes respectively to make it 3-1.
Cusion Antao’s own goal helped Goa Police SC narrow down the margin the the add on time of the first half making it 3-2.
“Among all the leagues we organised this year except for the Women’s league Geno First Division league has turned out to be the best and well-organised league. Also the competition in the league was intense and the quality of football was very high. We thank our sponsors Geno Pharmaceuticals and Jhoncy Restaurant, Benaulim who have helped us organise an action-packed league. Unfortunately because of the non-availability of grounds in the State this league could not be showcased in villages but in future at least this league has to be taken to the various grounds in the villages for which the grounds in Government control should be maintained,” Elvis Gomes, GFA President.
