G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY

REAL BETALBATIM IN SEMIS

Former champions Goa Maroons & Navelim Y.C knocked out

Defending champions Navelim Youth Centre and former champions and hosts Goa Maroons were knocked out in the pre-quarter final stages, while Real Betalbatim scraped through to their first semi-final in the 19th edition of the ongoing G.O.A Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association (Goa Maroons) and played at the MOH Grounds in Shuwaikh on 8^th February 2013 under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation.  

In the day’s first match, Don Bosco Oratory subdued mighty Goa Maroons 2-0 in an end to end action encounter.  Both the goals were scored in the second half when Loyed Mascarenhas outran James in the Goa Maroons defence to slot home from an acute angle.  Few minutes later, classy Michael Dias made it 2-0 when he latched on to a defence splitting pass from Vicky to score past the diving Maroons keeper to ensure their progress into the quarters.  Goa Maroons who started the game very well and had the better chances in the first fifteen minutes could not keep the tempo in the second half.  Any chance of equalizing faded when Sandy’s fierce volley in the second half was well blocked by DBO keeper Alido.  The match was ably handled by Francis, John and Sharma.

Goa Maroons went down fighting 0-2

Don Bosco Oratory winners

A hugely improved Real Betalbatim defended well and missed several chances themselves to   hold favorites DHL Football Club to a goalless draw.   DHL FC missing their star central midfielder Vico made a few good moves but were goal shy and the Real Betalbatim defence led by Theodore Pinto stood firm.  In the ensuing tie-breaker Terrence DÇosta missed his penalty for DHL FC to give Real Betalbatim their first semi-final slot in this prestigious tournament.  The match was officiated by Nicholas, Sharma and Sarto.

Real Betalbatim moved into semi-finals

Lost in pre-quarters

In the last match of the day, United Friends Club held their nerves in a heart stopping penalty shootout to win 3-2 (normal time score 1-1) against Navelim Youth Centre.  The match was played at a blistering pace and UFC were the first to score when Jamnas’s header bounced its way to the goal beating the Navelim defence and goalkeeper Britto.  Navelim however led by Cruzedio and Duarte Ferrao fought back strongly and go the equalizer in the second half when Ivo Rodrigues managed to squeeze on past goalkeeper Martin Dias in a goalmouth melee.  Navelim brought in their super sub, Gasper Crasto in the last fifteen minutes of the game hoping to use his experience to find the winner, but to no avail and the match ended in a draw.  In the tie-breaker, Martin Dias of UFC was the hero when he saved the sixth penalty to move his team to the quarter finals.  The match was officiated by Pascoal, Francis and Alvaro of IFRA.

UFC in quarters

Navelim Youth Centre lost in tie breaker

Santos United in Quarters

 The quarter final matches of this prestigious tournament continue on 15^th February 2013,  as Kuwait Goan Association take of United Friends Club at 6:45am, followed by AVC playing Santos United at 8:15am.  The last match of the day will feature Kerala Challengers versus Don Bosco Oratory at 9:45am

Julio Cardoso

Kuwait