MARGAO
Paldem Sports Club advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2nd Caniza Peixoto Memorial 9-a-side Football Tournament with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Fondegal Youth Club. The tournament is being organized by Black Arrow Boys Agxem Sports Club and the match was played at the St. Alex Church ground, Curtorim, on Thursday.
Despite several chances at both ends, it was Paldem SC who broke the deadlock in the 10th minute. Finley Carvalho unleashed a thunderous strike from 30 yards out that rocketed into the net, leaving the Fondegal goalkeeper with no chance.
Paldem held on to their 1-0 lead going into the halftime break.
In the second half, Fondegal Youth Club pushed for an equaliser and came close on multiple occasions. Melwin, Presley Mascarenhas, and Reuben Fernandes each had opportunities in the 35th, 45th, and 58th minutes respectively, but Paldem’s defense stood tall. Defenders Diago, Ansley, and Peter put in a solid shift to keep the opposition at bay until the final whistle.
For his match-winning goal and impactful performance, Finley Carvalho of Paldem SC was awarded the Man of the Match. The trophy was presented by Cajie Rodrigues, a member of Agxem Sports Club.
