MARGAO
Betalbatim Sporting Club clinched a thrilling 4-2 victory against Chandor Club, securing their spot in the final of the 16th London Trophy Inter Village Football Tournament 2024, organised by Goa Velha Sports Club at the Goa Velha Sports Club ground.
In an exhilarating match, Betalbatim Sporting Club narrowly missed taking the lead when Mackinley Cunha's header from an Oliver D'Souza corner went over the crossbar in the 5th minute. Chandor Club's Sildon Peixoto also failed to capitalise on a close-range opportunity, shooting over the Betalbatim goal in the 11th minute.
Joaquim Carvalho's attempt for Chandor Club was easily saved by Betalbatim's goalkeeper, Alwyn Faria, in the 19th minute. Silroy Peixoto's shot for Chandor Club was likewise saved by Faria in the 23rd minute. Chandor Club missed yet another golden opportunity to take the lead when Rizbon Fernandes shot wide with only Betalbatim's goalkeeper to beat, after an assist from Sildon Peixoto in the 28th minute.
Dickson Rogtao broke the deadlock for Betalbatim Sporting Club in the 39th minute, only for Chandor Club to swiftly equalise through a Didymus Antao own goal. Rizbon Fernandes put Chandor Club ahead 2-1 in the 55th minute, but Betalbatim's Selroy Fernandes responded immediately after the restart, levelling the score at 2-2.
Selroy Fernandes then scored his second goal, giving Betalbatim a 3-2 lead in the 57th minute, before Malcolm Fernandes sealed the win with a goal in the 62nd minute.
Dickson Rogtao and Didymus Antao of Betalbatim Sporting Club received cautions, while Selroy Fernandes was sent off by referee Jose Rebello.
Malcolm Fernandes of Betalbatim Sporting Club was named the Man of the Match and received the prize at the hands of Romeo Souza, a member of Goa Velha Sports Club based in the United Kingdom.
