MARGAO
Mandopa Sports Club came from behind to defeat Santa Cruz Society of Poitomaddo Cuncolim 5-3 in a thrilling penalty shootout, securing their place in the quarterfinals of the Simon Barreto Memorial Inter-Village Football Tournament. The match, organized by Maina Sports Club, took place at the DYSA Ground in Curtorim on Thursday.
The match started with both teams showing strong intent. In the 3rd minute, Mandopa’s Ronaldo Pereira delivered a long pass to Meliston, who raced into the box and fired a shot, but it hit the crossbar and went out. Cuncolim took some time to settle, and soon, Viraj Velip and Arron Fernandes combined well to create a chance. Arron managed to break through Mandopa’s defense and fired a shot, but Mandopa's goalkeeper, Selwin, made a crucial punch to deny the goal. The first half ended 0-0.
The second half began with an early breakthrough for Cuncolim. In the 45th minute, Arron Fernandes latched onto a through pass and slotted the ball into the net to give Santa Cruz Society the lead. However, Mandopa responded swiftly, and just three minutes later, Ronaldo Pereira found the equalizer in the 48th minute. The match remained 1-1 until the final whistle, and the decision was made through a penalty shootout.
In the penalty shootout, Mandopa converted all four of their penalties through Nash Pereira, Noah Luis, Aden Pereira, and Meliston Dias. On the other hand, only Ansh Patel and Viraj Velip were able to score for Cuncolim. Arron Fernandes of Santa Cruz Society of Poitomaddo Cuncolim was named the Man of the Match by Joaquim Fernandes.
