In an intense and action-packed match at the 32nd Curtorim Panchayat Cup, Santa Cruz Society of Poitomado, Cuncolim, emerged victorious with a 2-1 win against United Club of Verna, securing their place in the quarterfinals. The tournament, hosted by Curtorim Gymkhana, saw both teams putting in a spirited performance, but it was Cuncolim’s resilience and firepower that ultimately sealed the game.
Cuncolim’s Strong Start
Cuncolim wasted no time setting the pace in the first half, immediately adopting an aggressive strategy. Their early attempts nearly paid off when Shankar unleashed a stunning left-footed curler, only to be denied by the crossbar as the ball sailed out of play.
The breakthrough for Cuncolim came in the 23rd minute. Midfielder Viraj Velip sent a thunderous long-range strike that rocketed into the back of the net, leaving the Verna goalkeeper with no chance. Cuncolim took a well-deserved 1-0 lead heading into halftime, with Verna struggling to break through their disciplined defense.
Verna’s Equalizer and Late Drama
As the second half kicked off, United Club of Verna stepped up their efforts, hunting for the equalizer. After sustained pressure, they found a lifeline in the 37th minute when Maclito D’Costa fired a perfectly executed knuckleball shot that completely caught the Cuncolim keeper off guard, leveling the score at 1-1.
With the match approaching its final minutes and both sides pressing for a winner, it was Cuncolim’s star of the night, Viraj Velip, who rose to the occasion once again. In the dying moments of the game, Velip unleashed another long-range shot, this time sending the ball into the top-right corner of the net, leaving the Verna goalkeeper helpless for a second time. The goal secured Cuncolim’s 2-1 victory and their place in the quarterfinals.
Player of the Match Award
Following the match, Jasmina Cardozo, Panch Member of the Village Panchayat Curtorim, awarded Viraj Velip the Man of the Match title for his match-winning performance, which included both goals that sealed Cuncolim’s victory.
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