PANAJI
Cortalim Villagers secured a convincing 2–0 victory over Bidesh XI, with both goals coming in the closing moments of the first half. Shario Gomes opened the scoring in the 44th minute with a precise long-range strike, and Ashnoy Gomes doubled the lead a minute later, leaving Bidesh stunned at halftime.
Bidesh XI started the match strongly, with Joel Passoni twice testing the Cortalim defence, only to be denied by a composed rearguard. Cortalim also created early chances, with Clifton Rebello hitting the woodwork and Myran Pereira narrowly missing a close-range opportunity.
After the break, Bidesh pressed for a comeback, forcing goalkeeper Passang Sherpa into a crucial save just past the hour mark. Cortalim threatened on the counter, with Shario Gomes nearly scoring again, but the score remained unchanged. In the dying moments, Bidesh’s Longjam Meitei was closed down by a resolute defence, ensuring Cortalim held on for a 2–0 win.
