MARGAO: Navelim Villagers Union advanced to the finals of the Cavelossim Panchayat Cup Inter-Village Football Tournament after a tense 4-2 win in a penalty shootout against Sporting Club of Davorlim. The match, held at the Fr. Druston and Wellington ground in Cavelossim, ended goalless in regulation time, with Navelim eventually edging out Davorlim in the tiebreaker.
Navelim dominated the first half, with an early chance in the 10th minute. Atif Shaikh delivered a perfect cross to an unmarked Ronaldo Pereira, but his header was saved by Davorlim goalkeeper Francisco Colaco. On the other side, Delfon Colaco sent a pass into the penalty box for Airon Fernandes, whose shot went wide of the goal.
In the second half, Davorlim gained momentum as their midfielders, William Niasso and Melchior Miranda, created chances by feeding their forwards, Milton Colaco and Nevil Mascarenhas, who constantly threatened Navelim’s defense. Sanju Trikonni had two attempts at goal, but Navelim’s goalkeeper, Selvin Gomes, was solid, denying both attempts.
With the match ending 0-0 after regulation time, the game went to a penalty shootout. Navelim converted all four of their spot kicks, with Nash Pereira, Ronaldo Pereira, Noah Luis, and Terance Miranda finding the back of the net. Davorlim managed just two goals, with Airon Fernandes and Darwin Carvalho scoring, while William Niasso and Nevil Mascarenhas missed their penalties, handing Navelim the win.
Navelim now moves on to face Uguem Rising Club in the final on January 25. Melchior Miranda of Sporting Club of Davorlim was awarded the Cavelossim Panchayat Man of the Match trophy by Dionizio Dias, Vice-President of the Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim and former Sarpanch of VP Cavelossim.
