MARGAO
St. Rock’s Youth Club Majorda staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Cuncolim Union 4-3 and secure a place in the semifinals of the 4th Betalbatim Villagers Cup at the Panchayat Ground, Betalbatim on Saturday.
Cuncolim took an early lead in the 6th minute when Tushar Gaunker’s powerful shot deflected off a Majorda defender and found the net. St. Rock responded in the 28th minute with Ashley Rodrigues converting a penalty to equalize. However, Cuncolim quickly regained the lead through Viraj Velip in the very next minute, ending the first half 2-1 in their favor.
Majorda came out strong in the second half, with Ashley Mendes leveling the score with a powerful strike in the 34th minute. Ashley then put Majorda ahead in the 39th minute with a precise finish, and added another goal just before halftime at the 45th minute. St. Rock dominated the match and missed chances to extend their lead further.
In the 59th minute, Oscar Braganza made a solo run and calmly beat the Cuncolim goalkeeper to make it 4-2. Viraj Velip scored a late goal for Cuncolim, reducing the deficit, but the match ended 4-3 in favor of St. Rock’s Youth Club Majorda.
Bevan D'Mello of St. Rock was named Man of the Match, with the award presented by Malcolm Afonso, founder of SpacialCraft and entrepreneur.
