PANAJI/MARGAO
Holiday SC Arpora edged out Verem United with a narrow 1-0 victory in the GFA Third Division League clash at the Moira ground on Sunday. Rakesh's early strike in the 5th minute proved decisive, securing the win for Holiday. Despite Verem United rallying and gaining control in midfield, they were unable to find an equalizer, as Arpora's defence held firm before the break. In the second half, Verem came out determined to turn the tide, but the resilient Arpora backline once again thwarted their efforts, sealing a hard-fought 1-0 result.
DBO Fatorda win inaugural match
Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda edged past Navelim Sporting 1-0 in the inaugural match of the 1st All Goa Santa Cruz Society Soccer Cup organised by Santa Cruz Society of Poitomado at Poitomado Grounds, Cuncolim on Sunday. Both the teams missed many scoring chances in the first half. In the later part of the second half, Don Bosco Oratory held the upper hand but missed some easy scoring opportunities. However, in the 21st minute of the second half, Hansalum Furtado connected a cross from the right flank, with a well-placed header to leave the Navelim keeper stranded in the goal. Navelim Sporting’s Velon Rebello was named the man of the match. Earlier, the chief guest Rev Fr Domnic Savio Rodrigues, Chaplain of Our Lady of Piety Chapel, Panzorcone, declared the tournament open in the presence of a good Sunday crowd who came to witness the match.
Goa priests edge Quepem Veterans
Goa priests defeated Quepem Veterans 3-2 in the Tilamol Parish organized a football match between All Goa priests comprising of the Diocesan as well as the religious priests and Quepem Veterans on the occasion of Vocation at Quepem Sports Complex, Quepem, Goa. On Sunday. Delisha Rebello, the MC for the day, welcomed all the players and introduced them to the crowd. Fr. Jose Anthon Costa was invited as the chief guest. In the first half, the Quepem Veterans were leading 1-0 via Mr Elvis Fernandes, Mr Concy Oliveira extending the lead in the second half for Quepem Veterans. However Goa Priests made a stunning comeback, turning the score to a 3-2 victory, through a remarkable hat-trick by Fr Christovan Cardozo. Fr. Jose Antonio Costa was the chief guest, shared a few words of encouragement, followed by the prize distribution. The Man of the Match award was given to Fr Christovan Cardozo, and the Best Goalkeeper trophy was awarded to Anil Fernandes. The winners and runners-up were presented with their respective trophies by the chief guest.
Sao Jose de Areal get walkover
Sao Jose de Areal advanced to the next stage of the 45th St Joseph Festival Football Tournament at Dramapur Ground after Candolim SC did not show up for their scheduled match on Sunday. As a result, Sao Jose de Areal were awarded a walkover and progressed without having to compete.
Charity Match supports former footballers, staff
The charity match played on Saturday provided aid to three notable figures in Goan football: former international striker Shamsher Khan, ex-referee Nolasco Fernandes, and Cyril Andrade, a former medical attendant. The initiative was praised by former Indian footballer, who applauded the establishment of a support system designed to assist football players and technical staff who have contributed to Goa's state teams. This system aims to provide financial support for hospitalization costs and grants to the families of those in need.
Harrissons XI Cuncolim, Pedda Boys Ambelim advance
Harrissons XI Cuncolim and Pedda Boys Ambelim have secured their spots in the finals of the All AVCC 9-A-Side Open Invitational Football Tournament, held in memory of Fr Drushton Correia, Macduf Monteiro, and Fr Nevel Gracias. The matches took place on Sunday at Church Ground, Velim. Harrissons XI Cuncolim advanced after a dramatic tie-breaker, defeating OLFS Baida 4-3. Meanwhile, Pedda Boys Ambelim earned their final berth with a decisive 3-0 victory over Mix Boys Velim. During the post-match ceremony, Savilon D'Costa presented the Man of the Match award.
