MARGAO
Salgaocar FC juniors came from behind to beat SAI Goa 2-1 in the AIFF U-18 I-League played at the SAG ground, Assolna on Saturday. With this win, the Greens enhanced their chances of qualifying for the final leg as they cemented the second place in the points table with 13 points from six games whilst SAI Goa continue to languish at the bottom with just one point from six outings.
The star of the day was super sub Ronaldo Oliveira, who netted a fine brace with assists from Liston Colaco on both occasions. Ronaldo had come on as a substitute in the recent clash against Dempo SC juniors and had netted four on that occasion, proving why he is such an integral part of the side. Coach Anthony Pereira was forced to make four changes to his regular starting eleven with inspirational skipper Denil Rebello, Daniel Gomes, Saurabh Patil and Karan Shirodkar missing out through suspension. His main worry was the backline with three of his first choice defenders ruled out and thereby having to field a makeshift backline for the crucial tie.
And inside the first five minutes, his worst fears were compounded as SAI scored through Annarsha who was put through with a clever ball as early as the fourth minute. Salgaocar settled down despite the early setback and gradually started seeing a lot more of the ball. They had to however wait until the 40th minute for the equaliser as Liston Colaco after setting out on his trademark mazy runs slipped a smart ball for Ronaldo to finish calmly from inside the SAI box. The turnaround was complete when deep into stoppage time at the end of the first half, Liston displayed sublime close ball control to take on a host of SAI defenders and find Ronaldo who buried home what eventually proved to be the winner.
The Greens are yet to lose this season after going in front and controlled possession smartly through the course of the second half looking to hit the SAI lads on the break as they went all out for the equaliser. With virtually the last kick of the game, Ronaldo could have had a hat-trick as he was fed by Stephen Satardekar, but the SAI keeper, Ahamed Asfar did brilliantly to get down low and deflect the ball just wide.
Team Pts Pld W D L GF GA GD
1 AIFF Elite Academy U18 13 5 4 1 0 14 3 11
2 Salgaocar FC U18 13 6 4 1 1 14 6 8
3 Sporting Clube de Goa U18 10 6 3 1 2 14 10 4
4 Dempo Sports Club U18 2 5 0 2 3 3 10 -7
5 SAI-Goa U18 1 6 0 1 5 2 18 -16
