MARGAO
A depleted 8-man Cuncolim Union side pulled off a remarkable victory, edging past Varca Sports Club 5–4 in a penalty shootout to book their place in the quarter-finals of the 50th Chandor Seamen Football Tournament.
Despite being three players short, Cuncolim Union held their ground against a full-strength Varca outfit, showcasing tremendous defensive discipline and teamwork. Varca launched a series of attacks in the first half, but found no way past a resolute Cuncolim backline, led by the outstanding Jollyton Fernandes, who proved to be a rock in defence.
Varca came close twice in the opening period, but failed to convert their chances. Cuncolim, too, made a few promising forays into the opposition half but couldn’t find the breakthrough. The teams went into halftime locked at 0–0.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with both sides struggling to break the deadlock. Cuncolim’s compact shape frustrated Varca’s attacking efforts right up until the final whistle.
With the game goalless after regulation time, the match was decided via a penalty shootout.
For Cuncolim Union, Jollyton Fernandes, Viraj Velip, Ansh, Shankar, and Sachin Velip converted their spot-kicks with clinical precision. Varca’s Clayton Luis, Hayden Jonal, and Columban found the net, but it wasn’t enough as Cuncolim prevailed 5–4.
Cuncolim goalkeeper Sachin Velip, who played a crucial role in the shootout, was named Hero of the Match and received his award from Babazin Fiel Dias, Sarpanch of Chandor-Cavorim.
