MARGAO
CRC Chinchinim secured a dramatic 10-9 victory over Mandopa Sporting via the tiebreaker to book their place in the quarterfinals of the Curtorim Panchayat Cup 2025, organised by Maina Sports Club and played at the St. Alex Church ground, Curtorim, on Wednesday.
Mandopa Sporting made a strong start, scoring twice in quick succession. Noah Luis opened the scoring in the 9th minute, followed by Meliston Dias adding a second in the 10th minute to give Mandopa a 2-0 lead. CRC Chinchinim responded in the 18th minute through Preston Fernandes to reduce the deficit to 1-2 by halftime.
Chinchinim came out stronger in the second half, and it was again Preston Fernandes who found the net in the 39th minute to level the scores at 2-2. The tightly contested match remained deadlocked at full time, leading to a tense tiebreaker.
In the penalty shootout, CRC Chinchinim held their nerve and edged out Mandopa Sporting 8-7 in the tiebreaker, taking the final score to 10-9.
Sunny Fernandes, the goalkeeper of CRC Chinchinim, was named Man of the Match for his crucial saves during the shootout. He was presented the award by Francisco Xavier, Vice President of Curtorim Panchayat.
