MARGAO
Cuncolim Union edged out CRC Chinchinim in a thrilling penalty shootout to reach the finals of the 1st VJT Cup 2023 at Church ground, Chinchinim.
It was a nail-biting encounter as both teams fought hard to secure a place in the final. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after the end of regulation time and had to be decided by a penalty shootout that went down to the wire.
The first half was a balanced affair, with both teams creating chances but failing to convert them. The deadlock was broken in spectacular fashion by Bradley Carvalho of Cuncolim Union, who unleashed a stunning long-range shot from near the halfway line that flew past the CRC Chinchinim goalkeeper into the net. The goal gave Cuncolim Union a boost of confidence, and they tried to increase their lead, but CRC Chinchinim held on. The equalizer came in the 28th minute when Shario Rebello of CRC Chinchinim replicated Bradley’s feat and scored a brilliant goal from a similar distance, catching the Cuncolim Union keeper off guard. The first half ended with the score level at 1-1.
The second half saw Cuncolim Union adopt a more aggressive approach, but they met with stiff resistance from the CRC Chinchinim defence. Neither team could find the decisive goal and the match went into penalties. In the shootout, both teams scored their four penalties, with Shario Rebello, Piedade Rebello, Leslie Costa and Nigel Fernandes finding the net for CRC Chinchinim, and Dailon Carvalho, Mevzen Oliveira, Jollyton Fernandes and Conny Fernandes scoring for Cuncolim Union. The sixth penalty proved crucial as Alister Fernandes of Cuncolim Union slotted his shot home but his counterpart from CRC Chinchinim missed his shot. Cuncolim Union won 5-6 on penalties and booked their spot in the finals.
Cuncolim Union will now face Ambelim SC in what promises to be an exciting clash for the 1st VJT Cup on July 9 at 4.45 pm at the Chinchinim Church Ground.
