MARGAO
Goa rounded off their Group Stage campaign in the Junior Boys National Football Championship for the B.C. Roy Trophy with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Delhi at the Football Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday.
The match was decided by a moment of individual brilliance from captain Piyush Pratap Sawant, who found the net in the second half to secure all three points for Goa.
Goa started on the front foot and controlled the tempo in the opening exchanges. They came close to breaking the deadlock in the seventh minute, but their attackers failed to make the most of a chance from close range.
As the game progressed, Goa gradually worked their way around Delhi’s game plan and began creating more opportunities. However, they lacked the composure required in the final third, with several efforts going wide.
The first half ended goalless, with both sides heading into the break level at 0-0.
Goa continued to press after the change of ends and were rewarded in the 50th minute. Captain Piyush Pratap Sawant beat his marker before calmly slotting the ball past the Delhi goalkeeper to give Goa a 1-0 lead.
Delhi pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Goa’s defence held firm to preserve the advantage until the final whistle.
Goa, who were without some of their regular players, showed good character to secure the win and finish their group-stage engagement on a positive note.
