Both teams displayed attacking brand of soccer but the Greens scored through the boots of nippy striker Kenneth Da Costa (26’) and Meldon Oliviera (35+1’).
The Goan Network
MARGAO
Salgaocar FC Colts blanked Quitula Sports Club 2-0 and stormed into the finals of GFA Under 14 League at Seraulim grounds, on Thursday.
Both teams displayed attacking brand of soccer but the Greens scored through the boots of nippy striker Kenneth Da Costa (26’) and Meldon Oliviera (35+1’).
In the first half, both teams wasted not time in making their intentions clear. The Greens had the opportunity to take the lead in the very 4th minute after Meldon set up Ryan Fernandes who couldn’t have had it easier however failed to capitalise.
Quitula not to be outdone attempted a 40-yard screamer via Aman Bhore which the Salgaocar custodian Meryton Fernandes did well to save. Then seven minutes later, in the 21st minute, Aman sent in a long pass which could have been dangerous. However it didn’t trouble the Greens goalkeeper.
Quitula kept mounting pressure but to no avail as the Salgaocar skipper Kyle D’Cruz and Movin Gaunekar stood tall in the defence to thwart their opponents. The first goal came from a Kenneth header after Silroy Pereira made a fantastic run down the left wing before he crossed it in for the striker to score.
The Greens had a chance to double their lead at the half hour mark when Movin Gaunekar received the ball in the opposition box but was unable to convert. Aman was relentless as he didn’t allow the Salgaocar custodian when he received the ball on the counter to break past the defence line which Meryton did well to save. In the injury time of the 1st half Salgaocar doubled their lead after Fraser Viegas crossed the ball in to Meldon who made no mistake in finishing off. This marked the end of the exciting 1st half with Salgaocar resting on a 2-0 cushion.
In the second half, Quitula were determined to get back in the game as they pulled off a barrage of attacks. In the 43rd minute, Adil Aga displayed some fine footwork to get past Ryan but was denied by goalkeeper Meryton. In a matter of 5 minutes, Aman with the help of Harsh Patre did well to dribble past most of the Salgaocar defence before Kyle cleared the threat.
As the game drew to an end the Green wall of Kyle and Movin was tested but they prevailed and Meryton proved his worth by pulling off some fine saves. The game ended with Salgaocar taking the slot in the State finals where they face FC Goa U-14.
