MARGAO
Fondegal Youth Club secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Piedadigal Football Club to advance to the semifinals of the Fondegal Youth Club 9-A-Side Inter-Ward Football Tournament 2025, held at St. Alex Church Ground, Curtorim, on Monday.
The match kicked off with both teams showing high energy and attacking intent, taking full advantage of the cool and pleasant weather conditions. Early chances were created on both ends, with Aleeward Mascarenhas of Fondegal Youth Club making several threatening runs, only to be denied by Piedadigal FC’s resilient defense. On the other side, Anthony Bogot of Piedadigal FC also missed a few clear opportunities to break the deadlock.
The breakthrough finally came in the 15th minute when Albert Dias delivered a precise cross into the box, which was expertly finished by Aleeward Mascarenhas, giving Fondegal Youth Club a 1–0 lead going into halftime.
The second half saw a more physical and intense battle, as both sides tightened their defenses and pushed hard for goals. Frazer Fernandes of Piedadigal FC came close to equalizing but failed to capitalize on a golden opportunity. Fondegal Youth nearly doubled their lead as Mascarenhas once again weaved through the defense, but his final effort went wide.
Despite end-to-end action and a fiercely contested half, the scoreline remained unchanged, with Fondegal Youth Club holding on to their slender lead to book a place in the semifinals—marking a return to the final stages of the tournament after many years.
Alvito Fernandes of Piedadigal Football Club was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance.
