MARGAO
Uguem Rising Club secured a commanding 4–2 victory over Navelim Villagers Union to book their place in the finals of the 19th All Goa Guirdolim Panchayat Cup, organized by Guirdolim Club and played at the Chandor Church Sports Complex.
Uguem Rising Club dominated proceedings from the outset, using the wings effectively and pumping long balls into the Navelim box. The Navelim defence was stretched early on and struggled to contain the relentless pressure.
Uguem RC drew first blood in the 9th minute when Rutik Bandodkar unleashed a powerful strike from distance to make it 1–0. However, Navelim responded immediately, with Clinton Niasso heading in the equaliser in the 10th minute off a well-measured cross from Ronaldo.
Shaken by the quick response, Uguem stepped up their intensity. In the 16th minute, Maxson Lopes restored the lead with another thunderous long-range effort that beat the diving Navelim goalkeeper, making it 2–1. But Navelim battled back once more as Clinton Niasso struck again in the 19th minute, calmly placing the ball past the Uguem keeper to level the score at 2–2.
Uguem nearly scored again in the 20th minute but were denied by brilliant goalkeeping. Their persistence paid off soon after when Rutik netted his second of the match in the 22nd minute, finishing coolly after a defence-splitting pass from Maxson Lopes to give Uguem a 3–2 lead at halftime.
After the break, Navelim Villagers Union came out with renewed energy, pushing hard for an equaliser. However, Uguem’s defence held firm, staying compact and disciplined. With Navelim committing more players forward, gaps began to appear. Against the run of play, Rutik Bandodkar completed his hat-trick with another powerful long-range strike, sealing the match at 4–2 and sending Uguem Rising Club into a final showdown with Wilred Leisure SC, Curtorim.
Rutik Bandodkar was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match for his brilliant hat-trick, with the prize presented by Ryan Antao.
