MARGAO
Cuncolim Union overcame Navelim Villagers Union 1-0 to storm into the finals of All Goa 16th Chinchinim-Deussua Village Panchayat cup inter-village football tournament organized by Clube Recreativo E Cultural de Chinchinim at Church Grounds, Chinchinim on Thursday.
Cuncolim Union were compact in defence, the midfield too chipping in a fine performance. Rosario Carvalho troubled the rival defence with pace, power and deception while striking a perfect rhythm. In fact, Cuncolim Union had two chances but Navelim Villagers Union goalkeeper Paul Fernandes was rock solid under the bar and bought up superlative save to deny Cliffton Fernandes sure goals.
Cliffton Fernandes' 13th minute strike turned out to be the winning goal off a well measured cross from Mahesh Gaunkar.
At the other end, Navelim Villagers Union took time to settle down and once they struck rhythm they called the shots against the rival citadel.
Crossing over, Navelim Villagers Union tried their best and pressed hard for the equalizer and nearly fetched it but striker Alvito Colaco's rasping shot was well blocked by Cuncolim Union goalkeeper Shaikh Saheel. Cuncolim Union conjured couple of scoring opportunities but rival goalkeeper Paul Fernandes comfortably collected Suraj Naik shot.
With time running out, Navelim Villagers Union went all out however rival defenders marshalled by Beston Colaco and Raghuveer Gaonkar were compact and protected the slender lead.
Cuncolim Union will now meet Ambelim Sports Club in the finals on August 27.
