SKYNET RAIDERS, DBO AND YRC RISING STARS WIN
Skynet Raiders, Don Bosco Oratory and YRC Rising Stars were through to the next round after squeezing in wins in the first round of the GOA Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association on Friday at MOH grounds under the auspices of KIFF.
In easily the match of the day, Goa Maroons woeful season continued when they were beaten by a youthful Don Bosco Oratory (DBO) in a five goal thriller. Maroons started the match positively when Steven Rodrigues easily one of the best players on the field scored in the 14th minute of the first half from a free kick taken by Edward. Godfrey equalized in the second half for DBO when the Maroons defense failed to clear from a corner kick. Extra time witnessed high drama as Nikhil D’Souza slit one past Anton in the Maroons goal and Steven Rodrigues equalized immediately after that with an exquisite free kick from the edge of the penalty area giving DBO goalkeeper Alidio absolutely no chance. Aston Fernandes who came in as a super sub however broke the hearts of Goa Maroons supporters when he was in the right spot in the dying moments of extra time to jab in from close range in a goalmouth melee, giving his team a well deserved 3-2 victory. IFRA referee Francis Fernandes did an excellent job in the center and he was assisted by Sarto Baptista and Tiago Fernandes on the lines.
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| DON BOSCO ORATORY |
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| GOA MAROONS |
Earlier, the fragile but artful striker of Skynet Raiders Joe Gomes who fashions himself like his idol Nymar of Brazil, scored in the 10th minute of the second half to give his team a hard fought 1-0 victory against unlucky FC Sparz. The match was evenly played with Sparz creating some early chances, but the lack of attempts at goal and playing one pass too many was their undoing. The centre referee was Pascoal Fernandes and he was assisted by Lloyd D’Souza and Sarto Baptista on the lines.
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SKYNET RAIDERS |
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| FC SPARZ |
In the last match of the day YRC Rising Stars edged Real Betalbatim FC 1-0. Ever dependable charismatic Bernardo Pires struck in the 15th minute of the first half after dodging his way past two defenders and smashing one past the outstretched hands of the RBFC goalkeeper. The match was officiated by Tiago Fernandes.
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| YRC RISING STARS |
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| REAL BETALBATIM FC |
There will be no matches played this coming Friday, and the tournament will continue on 25/4/2014 with AVC Sports & Cultural Association playing Kuwait Goan Association at 6:45am, followed by Kerala Challengers taking on Curtorcares United and 8:00am and the last match of the day will feature the first quarter final between Santos United and United Goans Centre.
Report & Pics by: Julio Cardoso (Kuwait)
