MARGAO
Cumborda Sports Club secured a place in the quarterfinals of the Batora United 9-a-side football tournament with a decisive 2-0 victory over Paldem Sports Club on Friday.
The match, held at the St Alex Church ground in Curtorim, began at a fast pace, with Paldem having an early chance to take the lead. In the 5th minute, Seby Carvalho’s powerful shot from the box was expertly punched away by Cumborda’s goalkeeper, Johnson Bagot. Cumborda then came close to scoring in the 15th minute, but Velzino’s header narrowly missed the target.
Cumborda broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when Mackson evaded the Paldem defence and goalkeeper to slot the ball into an open net, giving his team a 1-0 lead at halftime.
As the second half commenced, Paldem intensified their efforts to equalise, applying pressure through Ansley D’cunha and Peter Mark D’cunha. Despite their efforts, they were unable to breach Cumborda’s solid defence. Cumborda extended their lead in the 40th minute when Veron scored with a neatly placed shot.
Paldem had several opportunities to get back into the game, but their forwards failed to capitalise on their chances. Cumborda’s defence held firm, ensuring they maintained their lead until the final whistle.
Ansley D’cunha of Paldem SC was named the Man of the Match and received the prize from Zefri Colaco, a club member of Batora United.
