UFC, AVC AND KERALA CHALLENGERS IN LAST FOUR

G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY

UFC, AVC AND KERALA CHALLENGERS IN LAST FOUR

Don Bosco Oratory, KGA and Santos United make exit

United Friends Club (UFC) came one step closer to finally grabbing the prestigious GOA Rolling Trophy when they subdued a strong Kuwait Goan Association (KGA) 2-0, while AVC Cultural & Sports Association, and Kerala Challengers also joined them in the semi finals of 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 15^th February 2013 under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation.  

United Friends Club in Semis

Although it was KGA who started well with a couple of good moves initiated by Vitorin Mendes and Agnelo Martins, it was once again goalkeeper Martin Dias who kept UFC in the game with a penalty save in the 25^th minute of the first half.  Mathew Fernandes made it 1-0 for UFC in the 40^th minute when he scored from a cross and Remedio put the game beyond KGA when the referee awarded a penalty in the 57^th minute. The match was officiated by David of IFRA and assisted by Mubarak Yousuf and Nikush.

AVC Won 3-0 and qualified for the semi-finals

In the second quarter final, although Santos United put up a spirited fight, they were no match for title favourites AVC and went down fighting 0-3.  Anthony Rodrigues of AVC scored the first goal in the  5^th minute of the second half and was on the score sheet again in the 17^th minute.  The very talented Savio Fernandes added a third in the dying minutes of the game to set up a mouth watering semi-final clash with Kerala Challengers next week. The match was officiated by Mubarak Yousuf and he was assisted by Pascoal and David in the lines.

Kerala Challengers in yet another semi-final

Stamina and strength was the backbone of Kerala Challengers 1-0 victory over a youthful Don Bosco Oratory in the last match of the day.  In some rousing end to end action, Kerala Challengers scored in the 8^th minute of the first half when Jinesh scored from the penalty spot after a Don Bosco player handled the ball inside the penatly area.  Don Bosco Oratory came back strongly with Ashton, Loyed, Alexandro and Michael playing some delightful soccer, but the equalizer eluded them.  A penalty in the 18^th minute when a Kerala Challengers defender handled the ball was shot wide by the usually dependable Loyed drawing groans by the DBO supporters.  Both teams missed a number of chances in the second half, with Michael of Don Bosco coming closest to scoring, and the game ended 1-0 in favour of Kerala Challengers.  The match was officiated by Philip and assisted by Pascoal and Julio Cardoso.

The Semi Finals on 22/2/2013 will feature AVC & Cultural Association taking on high flying Kerala Challengers at 6:45am followed by Real Betalbatim versus United Friends Club at 8:30am.  Teams are requested to report on time  

Julio Cardoso

Kuwait