Cardoso’s Hat-Trick Sends Calangute Association into Quarterfinals of Custodio Memorial Tournament

Team Goemkarponn
Raia: In a thrilling encounter at the Raia Panchayat Ground, Calangute Association stormed into the quarterfinals of the 52nd Custodio Memorial Football Tournament with a commanding 3–1 victory over Curtorim Gymkhana, thanks to a sensational hat-trick by Richard Cardoso — the first of the tournament.
The match, played under persistent rain, drew over 2,000 enthusiastic fans, undeterred by the weather, creating an electric atmosphere throughout the game. Both teams displayed high-energy football, but it was Cardoso’s clinical finishing that proved to be the difference.
Calangute Association got off to a flying start when Cardoso tapped in the opener in the 10th minute. However, Curtorim Gymkhana quickly bounced back with Anselm Fernandes equalizing in the 19th minute through a composed finish. The rest of the first half remained tightly contested, with midfield battles intensifying.
The second half saw Calangute assert their dominance. In the 56th minute, Cardoso curled in a brilliant shot that left the Curtorim goalkeeper stranded, giving his team a crucial lead. Curtorim responded with urgency, and Milagres Fernandes came close to leveling the score, but his powerful strike was expertly denied by Calangute’s goalkeeper.
The decisive moment came late in the game when Cardoso danced past Curtorim’s defenders and goalkeeper to slot in his third goal, securing his hat-trick and putting the match beyond Curtorim’s reach. His performance earned him the Man of the Match award, which was presented by Oswald D’Souza, former Deputy Sarpanch and ex-Vice Sarpanch of Raia Panchayat.
Tactically, both coaches made strategic moves. Curtorim’s Rosario Hilario placed added responsibility on Anselm Fernandes, while Calangute’s Gabriel Fernandes instructed Pedro Gonsalves to go for long-range shots and focus on creative playmaking. Carl D’Souza was pivotal for Calangute in controlling the midfield and linking up with the attack, while Anselm Fernandes stood out for Curtorim with his all-round performance.
With this victory, Calangute Association advances confidently to the quarterfinal stage, carrying momentum and a player in top form. As the tournament intensifies, all eyes will be on Richard Cardoso and Calangute’s campaign ahead.