MARGAO
Striker Keegan Fernandes struck a brilliant brace to guide Abhuja YC to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over a determined Manddar Khuris Pedda, securing a place in the finals of the St. John Baptist Trophy Football Tournament. The tournament is being organised by Football Friends Benaulim and played at the St. John Baptist ground, Dando Benaulim.
The match began at a frenetic pace, with Abhuja YC taking early control. Keegan was a constant menace to the Pedda defence and gave his team the lead in the 12th minute, finishing clinically from inside the box.
However, Pedda responded swiftly. Just five minutes later, Mecu Cardozo latched onto a well-timed pass from Sidroy Baptista and slotted past goalkeeper Herbert Rodrigues to level the scores.
After the break, Abhuja regained the lead in the 42nd minute when Keegan was perfectly positioned to head in a flag-kick delivered by midfielder Vishal Fernandes.
Despite a spirited effort from Pedda in the closing stages, Ashton Rodrigues stood tall at the heart of the Abhuja defence, ensuring his team held on to their narrow lead.
Keegan Fernandes was named Man of the Match, with the award presented by former Benaulim players Camilo Baptista, Amilcar Babush Pereira, and Ronny Diniz.
