MARGAO
Dunes SC Mandrem booked their spot in the next round of the Saligao Super Soccer 2025 tournament with a narrow yet hard-fought 1-0 win over hosts Saligao United at the Vagator Football Ground on Friday.
The decisive moment came in the 21st minute, when Sylvester Dias played a perfectly weighted through ball to Arjun Shetgaonkar, who lobbed the Saligao goalkeeper with a clinical finish from outside the box.
Both sides had chances in the first half. Saligao United came close to equalising in the 28th minute through a well-worked free-kick that saw Latesh Mandrekar’s deflected strike tipped over the crossbar by Dunes SC goalkeeper Santosh Pujar.
Just before the break, Dunes SC were awarded a penalty after Hrutik was fouled inside the box. However, Saligao keeper Agustin D'Mello came to the rescue with a fine save to deny Sylvester Dias from the spot.
In the second half, Saligao United pushed forward aggressively in search of an equaliser. Santosh Pujar continued his excellent form, pulling off another vital save in the 37th minute to deny Charnel Fernandes. The hosts’ best chance came in the 52nd minute when Fernandes’ strike hit the post. The rebound fell to Michael Dias, who couldn’t capitalise.
Despite constant pressure from the home side, Dunes SC’s early goal proved to be enough to seal their progression in the tournament.
Vivek Naik of Dunes SC Mandrem was named Man of the Match, with the award presented by Francis Fernandes of FC Siolim.
