MARGAO
Goa resisted the first-half pressure from Services to secure a 2-1 victory in the 77th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy (Group A) final round at Golden Jubilee Celebration Stadium Yupia in Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday morning.
With this triumph, Goa ascended to the top of the table with seven points, surpassing Services, who had earlier defeated Arunachal Pradesh. Services failed to build on their 3-1 win as goals from Lloyd Cardozo (70th minute) and substitute Joshua D'Silva (89th minute) sealed the victory for Goa. Substitute P Christopher Kamei managed to pull one back for Services in injury time (90+1).
Services began the game with the intention to counter Goa's attacks, utilising their speedy wingers while allowing Goa to advance deeper into their box. Services came close to opening the scoring early on, with Vikas Thapa narrowly missing after a precise pass from Vidya Sagar Singh in the penalty box. In the 25th minute, striker Bikash Thapa's attempt went wide.
Goa, coached by Charles Dias, also created scoring chances late in the first half, making it difficult for Services. Goa had opportunities, but striker Lloyd Cardozo, who replaced the injured Necio Maristo Fernandes, couldn't convert, sending his attempt over the crossbar.
The second half saw Goa continue their threatening forays into rival territory with increased urgency. As the match progressed, momentum seemed to shift in Goa's favour. Lloyd Cardozo broke the deadlock in the 70th minute with a clean header from Jobern Cardozo's cross. Substitute Joshua D'Silva secured the victory with a penalty conversion in the 89th minute after Channambam Sumanda Singh was brought down inside the penalty box. Services' P Christopher Kamei managed a consolation goal with a fine left-footed finish into the bottom corner in the 91st minute.
Goa's captain Mohammad Ali and Joseph Clemente displayed stubborn defending, while the midfield played a crucial role in securing the win. Goa were quicker off the blocks in the second half and managed to hold on to a well-earned victory.
The victory extends Goa's unbeaten streak to three games and takes them to the top of the table with 7 points, while Services remain second with 6 points. Meanwhile, last season's finalists Meghalaya finally opened their tally in Group A as they drew 1-1 with Kerala. Assam made it two wins in a row as they beat Arunachal Pradesh 2-0 in Sunday's evening fixture. Assam moved up to third place with six points, while Arunachal remained rock bottom with a solitary point.
Coach Charles pleased as Punch
Following the 2-1 victory over Services in the Santosh Trophy football championship, head coach Charles Dias heaped praise on his Goa side.
Dias, clearly ecstatic about the crucial win, said: "I'd say we played incredibly well. Delighted with the three points, but we're not done yet. I made some tactical adjustments in the second half, but we've been playing really well and just needed to convert. I think this was our best performance in the competition. The players showed everyone our true potential and competed admirably."
Dias expressed his hope that his team can maintain their fine form throughout the championship. "For us, the next match will be like another final," he declared.
Meanwhile, Dias dedicated the win to Dr Caitano Jose Fernandes, president of the Goa Football Association. He explained, "His dedication motivates the boys, and it has translated into victories. I also want to commend the lads for their tremendous performance."
