PANAJI
AA de Majorda Utorda Calata edged past Dicarpale Sports Club 2“1 to book their place in the next round of the Fr Basilio Andrade Memorial Football Tournament.
The game kicked off with both sides showing attacking intent. Majorda nearly opened the scoring early on when Oscar Braganza nodded the ball down to Ashley Mendes, who returned it cleverly. Oscar’s follow-up effort, however, sailed just wide of the far post. Dicarpale responded quickly, with Vellroy Colaco causing problems down the flank and Melchior Miranda drawing a vital block from defender Roshwin Furtado.
Majorda then began to assert control. Braganza led from the front, smashing a powerful drive off the crossbar, while Mendes tested the defense with a sharp run and effort that missed by a whisker. The breakthrough finally came in style”Sherwyn Rodrigues collected the ball near the halfway line, danced past four Dicarpale players, and slotted in a composed finish to give Majorda a 1“0 lead. It was a goal of real flair and determination.
Dicarpale, undeterred, found their equaliser soon after. Donald Rocha delivered a clever through ball that split the defense, and Vellroy Colaco showed poise to chip the advancing goalkeeper, bringing the score to 1“1 with a delightful finish.
The second half remained finely balanced with chances at both ends. The decisive moment arrived late in the game when Majorda were awarded a free kick just outside the area. Ashley Rodrigues whipped in a perfectly weighted delivery, and Royston Correia got the faintest of touches to guide it past the keeper, sending the Majorda supporters into raptures.
Majorda nearly extended their lead moments later. Ashley Mendes broke through on goal, but Dicarpale goalkeeper Francisco Colaco produced a stunning save. The rebound fell to Dylan Godinho, whose thunderous effort rattled the crossbar, keeping Dicarpale’s hopes alive.
However, Majorda held their nerve in the dying minutes to secure a hard-fought and deserved 2“1 win. Despite a stellar showing from Vellroy Colaco”who scored and was named Man of the Match”Dicarpale's spirited effort fell just short.
