PANAJI
Rosary College of Commerce & Arts, Navelim, and Cuncolim Educational Society’s College of Arts & Commerce, Cuncolim, advanced to the final of the Goa University Inter-Collegiate Football Championship after contrasting semifinal victories at the Goa University ground on Saturday.
Rosary College edged Dempo Charities Trust’s Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College of Commerce & Economics, Cujira, Bambolim, 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time. It will be Rosary’s second consecutive appearance in the final after finishing runners-up last season.
Ashnoy Gomes gave Rosary an early lead in the 11th minute. Rosary missed a chance to extend their advantage when Salvador’s penalty struck the post. Dempo were then awarded a penalty in the 26th minute, which Topon Minj converted to level the score at half-time.
Rosary regained the initiative after the break and were rewarded with another penalty, which Salvador Gama converted in the 75th minute. Dempo responded four minutes later when Topon Minj headed home directly from a free-kick to make it 2-2.
Neither side could find a winner, sending the game into a penalty shootout. Rosary kept their composure to prevail 5-4, with Ashnoy Gomes, Salvador Gama, Garrison Fernandes, Clarric Fernandes and Kifern Dias finding the net.
In the second semifinal, defending champions CES College, Cuncolim, defeated Fr Agnel College of Arts & Commerce, Pilar, 2-0.
CES were reduced to 10 men in the 16th minute after Jodric Abranches was shown a red card for violent conduct. Despite the setback, Nash Fernandes headed them ahead in the 38th minute from a corner.
Prince Figuerdo sealed victory in the 71st minute after a fine dribble and finish, sending CES into the final once again.
