MARGAO: United Sports Club of Seraulim secured a surprise 1-0 win against the heavily favored St. Anthony's SC Marna, Siolim, advancing to the semifinals of the 17th All Goa Inter-Village Seraulim Panchayat Cup Football Tournament, organized by United Sports Club of Seraulim at the Seraulim Panchayat Ground.
St. Anthony's, touted as favorites not just for the match but for the title, started strong. They played with excellent coordination and created several promising moves but were unable to score, and the first half ended in a goalless draw.
The second half saw St. Anthony’s continue to dominate, with well-placed long passes keeping the Seraulim side on the defensive. In the 49th minute, St. Anthony had a golden chance to take the lead, but their striker shot over the crossbar. Despite applying pressure, they couldn't break the deadlock.
The decisive moment came for Seraulim in the dying minutes. Shakshan Shanke scored the match-winning goal when Dickson Rogtao passed the ball to Keith Rodrigues, who made a solo run towards goal. Just before colliding with the goalkeeper, Rodrigues passed to an unmarked Shakshan, who calmly tapped it into the empty net.
After losing their goalkeeper to injury, St. Anthony’s played the remainder of the match without a keeper, replacing him with a striker. Despite their continued dominance, they could not convert their chances, and Seraulim held on for the win. St. Anthony’s exit from the tournament was met with admiration from the football fans who witnessed the thrilling encounter.
