PANAJI
Pax of Nagoa secured a pulsating 3-2 victory over Cortalim Villagers SWSC in their final Group B match of the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy, booking their place in the final qualifiers alongside Group A winners, Clube de Salgaocar.
At Chowgule ground, the match started with Pax of Nagoa taking an early lead in the 10th minute. Beneston Barretto, showing his sharp instincts, fired a powerful shot from the edge of the box after a well-timed pass from Desmon Pereira. However, Cortalim Villagers SWSC were quick to respond, equalizing just four minutes later through Michael Dias, who calmly tapped in a cross, levelling the score at 1-1.
The first half continued to deliver high-octane action, but the turning point came when Pax goalkeeper Vishal Fernandes received a red card for bringing down Cortalim’s Jaison Fernandes on the edge of the box. Despite being down to ten men, Pax of Nagoa displayed grit and managed to hold off their opponents until the halftime whistle.
In the second half, Cortalim Villagers SWSC capitalized on their numerical advantage. Jaison Fernandes, a constant threat throughout the match, gave Cortalim the lead once again in the 52nd minute, converting a precise cross from Shario Gomes with a well-placed tap-in.
But Pax of Nagoa were not to be denied. Beneston Barretto, who was in scintillating form, restored parity for Pax in the 75th minute, finishing off another assist from Desmon Pereira to make it 2-2.
As the match seemed destined for a draw, Pax of Nagoa found a moment of brilliance deep into stoppage time. In the 90+1 minute, Wendell Vaz emerged as the hero, scoring a dramatic winner that sent the Pax bench into raptures. However, Wendell’s exuberant celebration led to a second yellow card, but the damage had been done, and Pax held on for a memorable 3-2 victory.
The win ensured Pax of Nagoa topped Group B with four points, securing their place in the final qualifiers. In another match at Duler ground, Clube de Salgaocar played out a goalless draw against Guardian Angel SC. Despite the lack of goals, Clube de Salgaocar progressed from Group A, thanks to their superior head-to-head record over Sesa FA.
With both teams advancing, Pax of Nagoa and Clube de Salgaocar will now face Sporting Clube de Goa in the final qualifiers, set to be played in a league format. The top team from this group will earn a coveted spot in the main draw of the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy, which will kick off on August 24 at Fatorda Stadium.
