Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a thrilling semifinal match held at the DYSA ground in Curtorim on Wednesday, Curtorim Gymkhana edged out the host team, Maina Sports Club, with a decisive 1-0 victory to book their place in the finals of the Simon Barreto Memorial inter-village football tournament. The match was marked by intense attacking play from both sides, with each team creating several scoring opportunities.
The turning point came before the half-time whistle when Curtorim Gymkhana was awarded a corner kick. Milagres took the corner, and although the Maina goalkeeper cleared the initial ball, it found its way to the unmarked Mario Mascarenhas. Mascarenhas seized the chance, controlling the ball and firing a shot from 30 yards that beat Maina’s goalkeeper, Prakash, and found the net.
In the second half, both teams continued to push for goals, but Curtorim Gymkhana’s solid defense denied Maina any scoring opportunities. Despite Maina’s efforts to find an equalizer, the score remained 1-0 in favor of Curtorim Gymkhana until the final whistle. The lone goal by Mascarenhas proved to be the match-winner. Maina’s goalkeeper, Prakash Joshi, was recognized for his outstanding performance and was awarded the man of the match.
