PANAJI: Ambelim Sports Club edged past Curtorim Gymkhana 1-0 in their Rising Cup 2026 encounter at Government School Ground, Cuncolim, with Samson Fernandes scoring the decisive goal.
The match witnessed an early turning point in the sixth minute when referee Mariano Rebello awarded Curtorim a penalty after Aliston Fernandes was brought down by Aston Pinto. However, Melwin Fernandes' spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Ambelim goalkeeper Benny D'Silva.
Ambelim capitalised on the reprieve as Samson Fernandes latched on to a loose ball and unleashed a powerful shot past Curtorim goalkeeper Johnson Bhagat to give his side the lead.
Curtorim responded by pressing hard for an equaliser and enjoyed a greater share of possession, but struggled to breach Ambelim's well-organised defence.
Ambelim suffered a setback when goalkeeper Benny D'Silva was forced off due to injury. Despite losing their penalty-saving hero, the team remained resolute and successfully protected its slender advantage until the final whistle.
Samson Fernandes was adjudged man of the match for his match-winning contribution. Henski Gama presented the award.
Ambelim Sports Club will next face Cuncolim Union on October 29 in their Rising Cup 2026 campaign.
