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RAIA: Uguem Rising Club secured an emphatic 4-1 victory over a determined St Rock YC, Majorda, to advance to the semi-finals of the Cavelossim Panchayat Cup inter-village football tournament, organised by Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim, at the Fr Druston and Wellington ground, in Cavelossim.
Despite playing a defensive game for much of the match, Uguem showcased the importance of capitalising on key moments. St Rock YC Majorda dominated stretches of the game but were unlucky not to convert opportunities, with close attempts by Myron Pereira and Wendell Coelho missing the target narrowly.
Uguem took the lead when a free kick outside the 18-yard box by Jester Carvalho was deflected into the net by Rutik Bandodkar, catching goalkeeper Freddy Fernandes off position on the right.
In the second half, Uguem doubled their lead as Youhan Dias rose high to connect with a precise cross from Israel Gomes, making it 2-0.
Majorda fought back valiantly, pulling a goal back through Asley Rodrigues, who latched onto a pass from Oscar Braganza to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
However, Uguem responded swiftly with their third goal, a soft tap-in by the relentless Rutik Bandodkar, following a long clearance by goalkeeper Tejas Madval. The goal left Majorda’s defence scrambling and the scoreline at 3-1.
The final blow came when Rutik completed his hat-trick in style. His seemingly innocuous corner kick found the back of the net, sealing a 4-1 victory.
Rutik Bandodkar of Uguem Rising Club was presented man-of-the-match award by Joaquim (Dicky) Mendes, Seafarer and Club founder life member.
