MARGAO
SCC Cavelossim produced a sensational second-half comeback, overturning a 0-3 deficit to defeat Candolim SC 5-3 in the final playoff match of the GFA First Division League, held at the Nagoa Panchayat ground.
The match began with high intensity, and it was Candolim SC who took early control. Murphy Fernandes opened the scoring with a well-placed finish, followed by a Pruthvi Rathod strike just before half-time to give Candolim a 2-0 lead at the break.
Their dominance continued after the restart, as Murphy Fernandes completed his brace in the 50th minute, stretching Candolim’s advantage to 3-0.
However, SCC Cavelossim, with nothing to lose, made bold tactical changes under coach Donald, switching to an aggressive attacking formation. The move paid off immediately.
Shelton Fernandes sparked the comeback, scoring off a clever assist from Dravid Fernandes to make it 1-3. Minutes later, Captain Dazlan Passanha delivered a precise cross into the box, which Shelton headed home to reduce the margin further to 2-3.
The equalizer came in the 70th minute through a powerful strike from U-21 player Aliton Furtado, leveling the score at 3-3 and shifting the momentum entirely in Cavelossim’s favor.
With Candolim visibly tiring, Cavelossim capitalized with two late goals — Velroy Fernandes and Dravid Fernandes found the net to complete a dramatic turnaround and seal a 5-3 win. The result also avenged their 0-2 loss to Candolim in the group stage.
With this remarkable victory, SCC Cavelossim finished the playoffs with 4 points, while Candolim SC, with just 1 point, ended at the bottom of the table.
