MARGAO
The match was scripted for a perfect thriller and Youth Club of Manora had a golden chance early in the game but striker Dadapeer Patel's goal-bound shot was headed out by rivals’ veteran defender Krishna Shirodkar on the goalline. At the other end, Cuncolim Union came close to breaking the impasse but Manora goalkeeper Savior Paes came to his side’s rescue when he blocked Necil Pinto’s rasping shot. Cuncolim Union broke the deadlock in the 25th minute when Kishen Boxcar beat the rival goalkeeper with a clinical finish off a Necil Pinto assist.
Spurred by the lead, Cuncolim Union upped the ante and striker Samson Simoes came close to increasing the lead but rival goalkeeper was equal to the task and frustrated the rival attacks. ​Cuncolim Union nearly doubled the lead but Manora goalkeeper was rock solid under the bar and averted the danger by showing his fine reflexes to deny Brion Dias and Samson Simoes.
Post resumption, Youth Club of Manora tried their best to claw their way back but failed to get past the rival rearguard. Cuncolim Union came close to scoring again in the 48th minute when Clyson Pereira's scorcher flew over the crossbar. Earlier Necil Pinto's half hearted volley kissed the crossbar and went out.
With time running out, Manora tried their best to neutralize the lead but Francisco Colaco’s pot shot was neatly headed out from the goal by Mosses D'Sa after rival goalkeeper was beaten in the 70th minute. Youth Club of Manora made a last-ditch effort and substitute striker Swizel Pereira’s volley crashed into the net in the 90+1 minutes of the injury time.
