Friday , March 29 2024

Gokulam FC edge past Salgaocar FC to enter AWES Cup final!

Gokulam FC struck late once again to defeat Salgaocar FC by a 1-0 scoreline and enter the final of the 1st AWES Cup, organised by Association for the Wellbeing of Elder Sportspersons and Dempo Sports Club Juniors, at the Duler Stadium in Mapusa on Friday.

Gokulam FC had scored a last-minute goal in their last league clash against Sporting Clube de Goa to hold them to a 2-2 draw and qualify for the semifinals. In the semis, when it seemed like the contest would have to be decided by the tie-breaker, Gokulam FC struck in the 86th minute through their in-form Nigerian striker Adelaja Somide.

The visitors from Kerala will now meet Dempo SC in the AWES Cup final on Sunday at 3.45pm.

Play in the first session was restricted to the midfield with both goalkeepers hardly tested. The teams adopted a cautious approach and didn’t want to take a risk in such a crucial clash.

After close to half an hour, Salgaocar FC created the first chance as Gilbert Oliveira found Harmanjot Singh unmarked inside the box but Harmanjot’s attempt was stopped by Gokulam FC goalkeeper Hemanta Ghosh.

In the second session, Gokulam FC were the better side and went close in the 51st minute when Adelaja’s power-packed right footer missed the target by a whisker.

Salgaocar FC, too, had their chances and should have been sitting pretty. The Goa Pro League champions however could not give finishing touches to some promising moves as Harmanjot, Brian Mascarenhas and Mackroy Peixoto all lacked composure in front of goal.

Gokulam FC tasted blood in the closing stages of the match through Adelaja. The Nigerian striker had scored in each of his team’s two previous matches and struck again in the semifinal. In the 86th minute, Salgaocar FC’s defence fumbled and allowed Adelaja an easy passage towards goal. The Nigerian grabbed the opportunity with both hands as he coolly lobbed the ball into the unguarded goal.

About Arunava Chaudhuri

Check Also

Minerva Academy beat Sudeva Delhi FC, top U-13 Youth League group!

In an exciting match filled with goals, Minerva Academy emerged victorious over Sudeva Delhi with …