Team Goemkarponn
Benaulim: In an exhilarating matchup at the John the Baptista ground in Dando, Benaulim, Calangute Veterans secured their spot in the finals of the 1st All Goa 8-a-side Veterans Football Tournament, organised by the UK Goans Dynamic Group. The semi-final clash against Quepem Veterans was a testament to the enduring spirit and skill of veteran footballers, with Calangute Veterans emerging victorious in a thrilling penalty shootout.
The match began with Calangute Veterans taking an early lead. In the 22nd minute of the first session, Allwyn’s powerful shot found its way into the net, beating the Quepem Veterans’ goalkeeper and giving Calangute a 1-0 advantage. However, the second session saw a dramatic turn of events as Quepem Veterans took control of the game. Pascoal Fernandes equalised for Quepem in the 33rd minute with a precise right-footed shot from the box, and just seven minutes later, Rosario Carvalho put Quepem ahead.
Undeterred, Calangute Veterans fought back, and in the 47th minute, Robert Fernandes scored a crucial equaliser with a powerful left-footed shot from the edge of the box. This levelled the score at 2-2, forcing the match into a penalty shootout to determine the finalist.
In the resultant tiebreaker, Calangute Veterans demonstrated superior shooting skills, outscoring Quepem Veterans 6-4 to secure their place in the finals. This victory was a culmination of a well-played match by both teams, each showcasing a good brand of soccer that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
The UK Goans Dynamic Group tournament has been a platform for veteran footballers to showcase their skills and passion for the game, and the semi-final between Calangute and Quepem Veterans was no exception. As Calangute Veterans prepare to face their next opponents in the final, they do so with the confidence and momentum gained from this hard-fought win.
