Cortalim Gymkhana produced a spirited late fightback to register a thrilling 3-2 victory over Parish Youth Nuvem in the opening match of the 25th Panchayat Cup Football Tournament organised by Dando Boys Club at St. John the Baptist Ground, Benaulim.
Parish Youth Nuvem opened the scoring in the 14th minute through Albino Pereira, but Cortalim Gymkhana responded quickly, with Rollvin Almeida finding the equaliser five minutes later to make it 1-1.
Nuvem regained the lead before the halftime whistle when Joywin Costa headed home from an Albino Pereira free-kick, giving his side a 2-1 advantage at the break.
After the restart, Cortalim Gymkhana gradually gained control of proceedings and mounted sustained pressure on the Nuvem defence. Their persistence finally paid off in the closing stages when Velroy Dias struck the equaliser.
With momentum swinging in their favour, Cortalim continued to press forward and were rewarded in injury time when Velroy Dias netted his second goal of the match to complete a dramatic comeback and seal a memorable 3-2 victory.
For his match-winning brace and outstanding display, Velroy Dias was adjudged Man of the Match. The award was presented by Xavier Pereira.
