Team Herald
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PANJIM: Clube São Miguel de Taleigão (CSMT) clinched the ‘480 Years of St Michael’s Church Jubilee Trophy 2024’ with a commanding 2-0 victory over Goa Velha Sports Club, thanks to a brace from star Deeshank Kunkalikar in the final played at Dr Remegio Pinto ground, Taleigão, recently.
The final saw Clube São Miguel de Taleigão dominate throughout, with Goa Velha SC struggling to break their stronghold. Kunkalikar scored a brace in the 57th and 69th minute.
From the start, Clube São Miguel de Taleigão took control of the game, signalling their intent with an early opportunity in the 4th minute, when Salu Santos delivered a well-taken corner that was headed just wide. The team continued to put pressure on Goa Velha SC, creating a few good chances, but couldn’t find the back of the net.
Goa Velha SC struggled to match the Clube São Miguel de Taleigão’s intensity. Their best effort came in the 11th minute, but a poorly executed corner squandered the opportunity. In the 17th minute, they had their first shot on target, but it was easily dealt with by CSMT Goalkeeper Tanesh Kankonkar.
The closest moment of the first half came in the 19th minute, when Saish Kavlekar hit the post with a powerful shot after a short corner from Salu Santos. Unfortunately for the CSMT, Salu Santos had to leave the field due to injury in the 30th minute, with Kishan Kavlekar replacing him. 0-0
The second half saw the CSMT pick up where they left off, dominating possession and pushing forward relentlessly. Their efforts finally paid off in the 57th minute when Deeshank Kunkalikar fired a stunning strike from just outside the 18-yard box, giving the CSMT a crucial 1-0 lead.
Goa Velha SC attempted to fight back but struggled to create any clear-cut chances against the CSMT’s disciplined defence. As the game wore on, Kunkalikar struck again in the 69th minute. Displaying remarkable dribbling skills, he weaved past a Goa Velha SC defender before calmly slotting the ball into the far corner, sealing the win with his second goal.