PANAJI
Also in the ranks of Nuvem was Anthony Fernandes alais Patui (former MRF and Churchill Bros) who let go a powerful long drive from top of the box but Quepem goalkeeper John Araujo intercepted the ball well. At half time, the match stood goalless. On resumption of play, Nuvem’s Vincent Barbosa dribbled past a host of Quepem defenders and blasted a power-packed shot which hit the crosspiece and rebounded into play. This was the only notable attempt, as play was mostly confined to midfiled.
For the fourth consecutive match of the Brian Mendes Memorial football championship, the winners were decided after the penalty shootout, and on Saturday evening it was Nuvem Veterans who survived the challenge from Quepem Veterans to win 3-2.
The match though fast-paced failed to rise to dizzy heights, with the goalkeepers having a rather relaxed time under the crosspiece. Nuvem’s Marcus Carvalhao, the former Dempo SC and Churchill Bros player, was in fine fettle and constantly changed flanks to catch his rivals off guard. Marcus pushed for the break but the goal eluded his team.
With the game deadlocked at 0-0, the tie-breaker was resorted to wherein Nuvem converted through Brain, Rafiq and Salvador Miranda. Marcus Carvalho had the mortification to see his try parried away by Quepem goalkeeper Camillo Barbosa, while Socorro Colaco shot wide the last try. For Quepem, Caje Santiago and Nuvem goalkeeper John Araujo converted. Remy Barretto’s try was thwarted by Nuvem keeper Camillo Barbosa while Vincent Barboza shot off the cage. Quepem last shot taken by Adrian Lobo sailed over the crosspiece to hand the victory to Nuvem Veterans.
Chief Guest Francis Fernandes, former Goa Under-21 player (1980) and former Anthonians, handed over the Man of the match award to Marcus Carvalho. Sun Moon Star, Chandor will meet Tiswadi Veterans on Monday, February 29, at 4.45 pm.
