PANJIM: St Xavier’s College, Mapusa registered a solitary goal victory over SS Dempo College, Altinho in the final of the Goa University’s Women’s Football Championship, at University ground, Taleigao Plateau, on Monday.
The all-important goal came in the 57th minute when Venancia Rego made a daunting run on the fight flank and sent in a perfect ball to Chrisha Lobo, who finished with a deft placement.
The opening minutes saw both teams going on the attack. St Xavier’s had the first attempt through Venacia in the 11th minutes which went just outside the left vertical.
Keenda’s powerful try was saved by Astrid Pereira in the Xavier’s goal.
The match-winner arrived in the 57th minute when Venancia won the ball in her own half and beat the Dempo midfielder with speed, finding Chrisha, who coolly placed the ball in the rival goal.
As the clock was ticking, Dempo pushed captain Leena Gaunso in attack who succeeded in getting behind the Xavier’s defender and crossed effectively but the final touch eluded.
Soon, an Indira Lamani try in the 70th minute from outside the box went inches above the Xavier’s goal.
The last five minutes were nail biting as Dempo’s had three close misses.
Riddhi Goltekar ran tirelessly for St Xavier’s in the midfield while Bethany defended bravely.
Marina Fernandes played a very composed game in defense for Dempo’s and Leena dictated the midfield.
Venancia was awarded the Most Promising Player award while Leena Gaunso was declared Best Player of the Championship and Bethany, the Woman-of-the-match.
Chairperson for GFA’s Women’s Committee, Juliana Colaco was the chief guest and gave away the prizes.
