PANAJI
St Anthony FC Assolda edged past CRC Chinchinim 1“0 in a closely contested match of the Franco Gouveia Memorial Tournament played at the DSYA Ground, organised by St Anthony Club Colva.
Both teams started at a high tempo, pressing aggressively and creating early attacking moves. Saario Gomes and Rowan Fernandes looked lively for Chinchinim, regularly testing the Assolda defence, where Imson Fernandes and Cruz Gomes stood firm under pressure. Despite several chances at both ends, the first half ended goalless.
After the break, the match remained cautious with neither side willing to take unnecessary risks. However, the intensity increased in the closing stages as Assolda began to control midfield through Fhezer and Lisbon Gracias. Goalkeeper Glen Leitao also produced a string of fine saves to keep CRC Chinchinim in the game.
The decisive moment arrived in the 55th minute when Jackson Vaz reacted quickest to score from a rebound after a deflected save by the Chinchinim goalkeeper, securing a crucial lead for Assolda.
Imson Fernandes of St Anthony FC Assolda was adjudged Man of the Match and received the award from Manoj Kesarkar, Panchayat member of V.P. Cana Benaulim.
