MARGAO
Goals from Naison D'Cunha enabled Betalbatim Sporting Club overcome Goa Velha SC 2-0 to enter the quarterfinals of the 21st Fr Basilio Andrade football tournament, being played at Musson ground, Majorda.
Both teams tried to gauge the strength of each other in the first half of the match. Though there were forays at either end, they were equal in effectively dealing with the threats through their defenders. In the 53rd minute, Betalbatim stitched a brilliant move wherein striker Naison moved to the centre with sheer speed and excellent footwork and sent the ball into the far end of Goa Velha net.
Buoyed by the success, Batalbatim exerted pressure but Asher Alfonso could not utilise the chances. Goa Velha produced two smart moves midway into the second half through medio Joseph Rodriguez but Betalbatim keeper Jesus Ferrao stood firm. Ten minutes before the final whistle, Naison scored his second goal to make it 2-0. Before the last minute, Alme Fernandez almost scored for Goa Velha from a difficult angle as he missed the target by a few inches.
Verna Veterans reach 50+ title clash
Verna Veterans secured a hard-fought 4-2 tiebreaker (full-time 1-1) win against Vasco Veterans to enter the 50+ final of the GVFC Football Tournament at Sinquetim ground, on Thursday.
Trailing to a tenth minute Santan Colaco Jr goal, Vasco Veterans did well to find the equaliser in the 47th minute from Martin Pereira to force the match into a deciding tiebreaker. The shootout proved to be equally engrossing with Verna goalkeeper Anand saving the second penalty taken by Nagesh Shirodkar.
But substitute Santan Furtado shot wide to give Vasco Veterans a glimmer of hope. However, Jack Colaco saw his spot kick sail way over the frame with Anand stranded in one spot. Santan Colaco Sr then placed his kick to the right of Vasco goalkeeper Joao Fernandes to hand Verna Veterans a rightful spot in Sunday’s final.
The team from Salcete will now await the winners of the second semifinal to be played on Friday between Campal Veterans and Bardez Veterans. Verna Veterans are headed towards a rare double after also making it to the 40+ final against SAI Veterans.
Goa University football: PES, Sridora Caculo College win
PANAJI: PES College, Farmagudi, Sridora Caculo College, Assagao, Govt College, Quepem, Govt College, Khandola, Dhempe College, Miramar registered wins on Thursday in the Inter Collegiate football championship for men organised by Goa University.
At Goa University Ground, PES College defeated MES Zuarinagar in a tiebreaker 5-6 to advance. The teams were tied 1-1 after first-half strikes by Jayesh Velip (for PES in 23rd minute) and Jagdish Chawan (for MES in 30th minute). In the second match, Sridora Caculo College, Assagao beat Parvatibai Chowgule College, Margao 2-0.
At Rosary College ground, Navelim Govt College, Quepem beat CES College, Cuncolim 2-0 while Govt College, Khandola got the better of Swami Vivekananda College, Borim 4-1. In the third match, Dhempe College, Miramar thrashed VMS Institute of Hospitality, Raia 6-2.
