G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY
Real Betalbatim, UFC, Kerala Challengers and Don Bosco win
In interesting first round clashes in the 19th edition of the prestigious G.O.A Rolling trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association (Goa Maroons) and played at the MOH Grounds in Shuwaikh on 18thJanuary 2012 under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation, Real Betalbatim, United Friends Club (UFC) and Don Bosco Oratory (DBO) qualified for the next round.
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| Goa Tournament - Real Betalbatim |
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| Goa Tournament - Sparx |
In the first match of the day, Real Betalbatim overcame a youthful Sparx 2-1 and are through to the quarterfinals. Real Betalbatim had several opportunities in the first half to score, but erratic shooting by their forwards ensured a barren first half. Denzil of Real Betalbatim finally broke the deadlock when he scored the first goal of the game in the third minute of the second half, and although Sparks did put a lot of pressure for the equaliser, the Real defence led by Teddy Pinto stood firm. Elvis added a second when he headed neatly from a free kick taken by Bradley. Although Sparks pulled one back, it was a little too late.
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| Goa Tournament - Skynet Raiders |
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| Goa Tournament - UFC |
In the second match of the day, United Friends Club won 2-1 against Skynet Raiders in a sea-saw battle which saw both sides missing opportunities. However it was UFC who took the lead at the stroke of half time when Teotonio their dependable defender headed home from a free kick. Jamnas added a second in the 25th minute of the second half, while Skynet Raiders who tried their level best to find the equalizers were able to score one through Ismail in the dying minutes of the game.
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| Goa Tournament - Don Bosco Oratory |
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| Goa Tournament - United Goans Centre |
Strong title contenders Don Bosco Oratory got the better of United Goans Centre 1-0 in a game mostly confined to midfield with few chances in between. Although Don Bosco Oratory had the edge and the UGC keeper had to make a couple of good saves, UGC too missed a good chance towards the end, when their forward missed the target.
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| Goa Tournament - Kerala Challengers |
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| Goa Tournament - Indian Strikers |
On 25th January Kerala Challengers got the better of Indian Strikers 4-0 with Shabbir Ali scoring a fine hat-trick to ensure his team’s progress into the second round. Rafeeq opened the scoring for Kerala Challengers in the 24th minute of the first half while Shabbir Ali socred in the 5th, 12th and 25th minute of the second half.
Coming Friday 01/2/2013, CRC Chinchinim will play DHL at 6;45am, followed by AVC v/s Curtorcares United at 8:15am and the last match will feature KGA v/s Malabar at 9:45am.
Julio Cardoso
Kuwait
