PANAJI
Fractures Verem Veterans booked their place in the finals of the Panjim Veterans Football Tournament after defeating Goa Police Veterans 5-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Taleigao ground. The tournament is being organised by the Panjim Veterans.
The tightly contested semifinal saw both teams locked in a goalless draw at full time, despite several promising opportunities. Fractures Verem Veterans came close to breaking the deadlock in the first half when Nicolau Borges darted into the box, skillfully dribbling past defender Anthony Fernandes, only for Goa Police goalkeeper Rupesh Kamoj to make a crucial save.
Goa Police Veterans had their own chances in the second half, with Benedict D’Souza and Ravi Govekar missing clear scoring opportunities. Defensive stalwarts Alex Alvares, a former Dempo SC player, and Mathew Gonsalves, formerly of FC Pune, stood strong for Fractures Verem, denying Goa Police any clear path to goal.
With the match still scoreless at the final whistle, the outcome was decided by a penalty shootout. Fractures Verem Veterans converted all five of their attempts, with successful strikes from Avinash Shirodkar, Jitender Calangutkar, Melwyn Fernandes, Nicolau Borges, and Radhakrishna Desai. For Goa Police, only Rohidas Mhaloji, Vinod Wilson, and Benedict D’Souza found the net, while Anthony Fernandes saw his shot saved by Fractures Verem keeper Camilo Barreto.
Businessman and chief guest Sachin Satadekar from Verem presented the Man of the Match award to Rohidas Mhaloji of Goa Police Veterans for his outstanding performance.
