MARGAO: A fine hat-trick by Agnelo Colaco helped Churchill Brothers FC score a fluent 3-1 win over Dempo Sports Club in the opening match of Goa Sevens Premier League, played at SAG ground, Fatorda, on Sunday.
Despite playing an attacking game throughout the match, Dempo SC succumbed to the Churchill Brothers counter attack and undeniably Man-of-the-Match award winner Agnelo’s urge for the goal.
Dempo SC started with Nickson Castanaha and Mario Mascarenhas in defence with senior team regular Tyson Caido in the goal. Beevan D’Mello and youngster Hayden Fernandes paired in midfield with Abranches leading the attack.
At the other end, the Red Machines had experienced Clifford Miranda, Nicholas Fernandes and Agnelo Colaco in their ranks with Richard Cardozo guarding the Varca citadel.
Playing a newer format, both the teams showed the initial struggle but the Golden Eagles had the opportunity to score at the start. However Beevan couldn’t keep his composure infront of the goal as the striker missed two glorious chances, as he shot wide on both occasions.
At the other end, Red Machines caption led his team’s attack from the left flank but his strikers were kept in a check by the alert Dempo defence.
Despite enjoying a good brand of football, the Panjim side failed to take their chances with misfiring Joaquim Abrances in the upfront.
The former FC Goa striker just couldn’t get past the Churchill Brothers FC keeper Ricardo Cardozo who denied the striker on various occasion.
With both teams finding the momentum in the second quarter of the match, it was the keeper’s day as both keepers –Tyson Caido and Ricardo Cardozo kept their team in the contest with some breath taking saves.
While it was Ricardo who came with a flying save to deny Dempo’s Hayden in the 12th minute, Tyson Caido parried away Churchill’s Clifford Miranda’s left footer in the 16th minute.
Ricardo’s flying save in the 25th minute to deny Beevan’s header was the highlight of the match as the youngster received the applause from both sessions of fans.
Just as it seemed the teams would walk away goalless at the breather, Churchill Brothers FC took a surprise lead in the first half added time through Agnelo Colaco.
The midfielder slipped while taking the flag kick but scored an Olympic goal, which surprised the entire Dempo SC team. Churchill Brothers led 1-0 at the break.
Crossing ends, Dempo SC showed the urgency to net the equalising goal.
Joaquim, Hayden and Beevan constantly tried long-range shot but just couldn’t get past inform Ricardo Cardozo.
The Red’s were pinned in their own defence by the surging Blues.
Dempo SC finally managed to score past Churchill’s Ricardo in the 47th minute through Beevan.
The former Salgaocar striker hit a low grounder in the far left corner of the goal past the diving Churchill Brothers keeper.
Just at Dempo SC went all out in search of the winner, Churchill Brother Joshua Vaz’s shot hit the Dempo post in the 55th minute.
Minutes later, Churchill Brothers’s Agnelo scored the team’s second in the 57th minute when the medio was brilliantly fed by Nivholas from their own half, and the former scored with ease with just the keeper at his mercy.
The Red’s Agnelo completed his hat-trick in the 60th minute.
The medio capitalised on Dempo’ SC defensive lapse that set him straight at goal with just keeper at his sight and the lad coolly lobbed the ball past the onrushing keeper.
Earlier, Dempo SC’s Nickson Castanha and Churchill Bros Nicholas Fernandes went into Referee’s books for rash play.
In the exhibition match between North Veterans and South Veterans, North Goa Veterans got the better of South Goa Veterans in the penalty shoot-out scoring 5-4 as both teams were tied 1-1 at full time. David D’souza opened account for North Goa in the second half while Mariano Dias restored parity for South Goa Veterans.
Benjamin Silva, President GSPL, Vijay Sardesai Chief Guest, Churchill Alemao, Elvis Gomes, GFA President, Rev Albano and Goa’s poster boy, Romeo Fernandes greeted the team players.
Churchill Alemao, lauded the effort of Benjamin Silva, President and his entire team. Goans like bull fight and football ; I honestly am impressed with the GSPL event to see the huge response, and wish the organizers the very best.”
With anything new there is confusion, but with an event like this I assure full support and best wishes,” said Elvis Gomes, GFA president.
Vijay Sardesai, Minister of Town and Country Planning said that Goans were very passionate about football.
” Football runs is in the blood of Goans. Football is the only medium that can unite all Goans. We are there to take football forward, “ said Vijay.
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