MARGAO
Candolim Sports Club secured a 2-0 victory over Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim in their final Group A fixture of the GFA First Division League, held at the SAG Ground, Benaulim. Despite the loss, Cavelossim qualified for the playoffs with 18 points — the same as Candolim — who topped the group due to a superior goal difference.
In a top-of-the-table clash, Cavelossim coach Donald opted to rest senior players Melson and their first-choice goalkeeper, instead fielding U-21 player Maclan Vaz for the full 90 minutes. The move backfired, as Maclan struggled on the left flank, which Candolim exploited with ease.
After a goalless first half, Candolim broke the deadlock in the 60th minute. Nikhil Naik launched a powerful run down the left, dribbled past Maclan, and fired a shot into the top corner to give his team the lead. Aryan Solanke sealed the win in the 85th minute, doubling Candolim’s advantage and ensuring they topped Group A.
In another Group A match, Clube São Miguel de Taleigao defeated Associacão Académica de Moira with a convincing 3-0 scoreline.
