MARGAO
Goa’s hopes of progressing in the Junior Boys National Football Championship for the Dr BC Roy Trophy 2025 came to an end after a 2“5 defeat to Delhi in a Group A (Tier 1) clash at the GNDU Stadium, Amritsar, on Tuesday.
Goa started the match brightly and created early chances, but failed to capitalize. Delhi made them pay by breaking the deadlock midway through the first half, courtesy of Sheikh Faizan, whose precise strike gave his side a 1-0 lead at the break.
Before that, Armstrong Shlok Govekar and Aaryav Da Costa missed clear chances for Goa, which could have swung the momentum in their favour.
After the restart, Goa managed to level the score through Shlok Govekar, but their joy was short-lived. Delhi responded almost immediately, regaining the lead through Kapupjean Kemi, who went on to complete a brace with two well-taken goals from the right flank.
Lalvobhika, who impressed throughout the game, added another to extend Delhi's advantage, while Ningtoujam Singh hammered in the final goal to seal Goa’s fate.
Although Aaryav Da Costa pulled one back late in the game to reduce the margin, it was too little, too late. Goa tried to mount a comeback, but Delhi held firm with a resolute defensive performance, denying several promising Goa attacks.
With this defeat, Goa exit the tournament. They will play their final league fixture against Punjab on 24th July, but it will be a mere formality.
