Team Goemkarponn
Raia: Candolim Sports Club stormed into the quarterfinals of the 52nd Custodio Memorial Football Tournament with a commanding 3-0 win over SCC Loutoulim, in a thrilling match held at the Raia Panchayat Ground.
The match got off to an energetic start, with Candolim SC asserting dominance early on. Their efforts bore fruit in the 9th minute when Anuj Kutikar unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box that rocketed into the net, giving no chance to the Loutoulim goalkeeper.
The second blow for SCC Loutoulim came just before the half-time whistle. In the 42nd minute, Candolim’s forward was brought down inside the danger area, resulting in a penalty. Nikil Naik made no mistake from the spot, converting it clinically to double Candolim’s lead. In a cruel twist of fate for Loutoulim, their own striker Velroy Fernandes missed a golden opportunity to pull one back in the same minute.
Barely a minute into the second half, Candolim extended their lead even further. A well-taken corner by Chetan Dhobolkar in the 46th minute curled directly into the goal, catching the Loutoulim defense and keeper off guard, and effectively sealing the game at 3-0.
Despite the scoreline, SCC Loutoulim coach Jose Colaco was seen actively guiding his side from the touchline, attempting to rally a comeback. On the other end, Candolim SC coach Joe’s strategic direction proved decisive, as his side played a composed and disciplined game throughout.
Nikil Naik of Candolim SC was adjudged the Man of the Match for his solid performance, including a goal and his overall influence in midfield. The award was presented by Prakash Dessai, former GFA executive and current secretary of Cuncolim Educational Institute.
With this convincing victory, Candolim SC now advance to the quarterfinals, carrying strong momentum and high morale into the next stage of the prestigious tournament.
