MARGAO
Wilred Leisure SC, Curtorim got the better of Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda 5-3 in a penalty shootout to secure a spot in the finals of the 18th All Goa Guirdolim Panchayat Cup, organized by Guirdolim Club at the Chandor Church Sports Complex on Saturday.
Don Bosco had an early chance to take the lead in the 3rd minute, but Edgar Noronha failed to lob the onrushing Curtorim goalkeeper. Despite continued pressure from Don Bosco, including efforts from Velton, Elroy, and Edgar, they could not find the back of the net. Edgar made up for his earlier miss in the 20th minute, scoring from a tight angle to give Don Bosco a 1-0 lead, leaving the Curtorim keeper wrong-footed.
Wilred Leisure SC regrouped after the setback, but Don Bosco's defense held firm, preventing any clear chances. Both teams went into the break with Don Bosco leading 1-0.
In the second half, Don Bosco continued their offensive push. They almost doubled their advantage in the 38th minute, but Elroy’s close-range shot went wide. Edgar had another near miss in the 42nd minute when his powerful shot was tipped away by the Wilred keeper for a corner.
The game turned in the 46th minute when Wilred's Milagres was fouled 25 yards from the Don Bosco goal. From the resulting free kick, Nickson Castanha delivered a stunning strike, beating the Don Bosco keeper and leveling the score at 1-1. This goal sparked a surge of confidence for Wilred, but despite their attacking efforts, Don Bosco's defense remained resolute, and no more goals were scored before the end of regulation time.
In the ensuing penalty shootout, Wilred converted all four of their spot kicks, while Don Bosco managed to score only two. The other two penalty attempts from Don Bosco hit the upright and bounced out, allowing Wilred to claim a 5-3 victory.
Velton D'Souza of Don Bosco Oratory was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance in midfield, with the award presented by Arnaldo Costa, President of Curtorim Gymkhana.
