THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA: A lone goal by Chrisha Lobo helped St. Xaviers College, Mapusa beat S.S. Dempo College, Altinho 1-0 and clinch the title of the Inter Collegiate Women Football Championship 2015-16.
Venancia Rego from the right wing made a perfect pass to Chrisha Lobo who placed the ball beautifully in the lower left corner and helped St. Xaviers get the sole goal in the 57th minute and retain the Goa University Women Football title.
The very absorbing women football finals was played at the Goa University grounds, Taleigao Plateau between the favorite St. Xaviers College, Mapusa and skillful S.S. Dempo College, Altinho,
The opening minutes saw both teams going on the attack. St. Xaviers had the first attempt to score through Venacia Rego in the 11th minute which went just outside the left vertical. At the other end a powerful shot by Keenda D’Souza was saved by Astrid Pereira in the Xaviers goal. The honours were even at half time at 0-0.
The special moment of the match came in the 57th minute, when Venancia won the ball in her own half and beat the Dempo midfielder with speed finding Chrisha Lobo who coolly placed the ball in the left low corner to give cheers to the Xaviers bench.
As the clock was ticking by Dempo pushed captain Leena Gaunso in attack who succeeded in getting behind the Xaviers defender and cross, but the final touch eluded the Dempo’s on two occasions.
Soon afterwards, a shot from Indira Lamani in the 70th minute from outside the box went inches above the Xavier’s crossbar.
The last five minute were nail bitting as Dempo’s had three close misses. The final whistle surely brought relief to the St. Xaviers camp and the trophy.
Riddhi Goltekar ran tirelessly for St. Xavier’s in the midfield winning tackles . Bethany Remedias was solid in the stopper position for the winning side.
Marina Fernandes played a very composed game in defense for Dempos and Leena dictated the midfield play.
Juliana Colaco, Chairperson for GFA Committee for Women Football, was the Chief Guest at the finals and also presented medals and trophies to the finalist.
i. The Finalist St. Xaviers and the Dempo teams along with Chief Guest, Juliana Colcao and the other officials.
ii. Runners up Dempo College team (red and white)
iii. Winners St. Xaviers College, team ( green)
