The Goan Network
MARGAO
KP Blue, Chinchinim edged past KP Red, Chinchinim 4-3 in an absorbing exhibition soccer match at Church grounds, Chinchinim on Sunday. Both the teams were tied 1-1 at the breather. The highlight of the day was a brilliant hat-trick by former India midfielder Mario Soares.
KP Red were well served by former international and state defender Mahesh Lotlikar and Jerry Fernandes exerted the pressure on the rival citadel and surged ahead when Luis Antao slottted past the rival goalkeeper with a snap shot.
Stung by that setback, KP Blue regrouped quickly and instantally took the fight to the rival camp and troubled the rival defence with well orchestrated raids.
Mario Soares beat his markers and punted the ball to the far corner of the net.
At the other end, KP Red comprising of former India captian Mauricio Afonso, Ignatious Dias, Rafael Coutinho, Inacio Cardozo entertained the crowd with some vintage soccer.
Post resumption, both the teams adopted aggressive approach despite the soggy outfield. Mario Soares who played one touch soccer dribbled past the rival defender and beat the rival goalkeeper with a neat finish.
Unfazed, KP Red went into attacking mode and unleashed a barrage of strikes and restored parity when Jerry Fernandes beat the rival goalkeeper with a clincial finish.
Stunned by the equaliser, KP Red marshalled by Mauricio Afonso kept his forwards with a stream of flawless passes. Remedios Baretto made it 3-2 after he picked up the pass from Ignatious Dias.However, their joy was short-lived when Rosario Viegas neutralised the lead. With time running out, KP Red went all out in search of a match-winner when Mario Soares received the pass from Mauricio Afonso and the former's shot found the roof of the net to register his hat-trick.
Earlier, KP Blue's defender Jermious Baretto was rock solid at the back and thwarted the rival attacks.
Rafeal Coutinho of KP Red was adjudged man-of-the-match.
Greg Noronha ,former Physical Education teacher of Mount's Mary's High School, Chinchinim was the chief guest and were introduced to the teams .
