Team Herald
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PANJIM: In a fiercely contested and visually captivating final, SS Dempo College of Commerce and Economics, Cujira-Bambolim triumphed over the Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Sanquelim, 3-1 to emerge champions in the Goa University Inter-Collegiate Football Men Championship played at the SAG’s Athletic Stadium, Bambolim.
The first half featured a well-matched battle between the two teams, with both sides striving to gain an advantage in attack and defence to secure the opening goal.
Despite several attempts, the score remained 0-0 as both teams defence proved resilient. Sanquelim Government College squandered a couple of opportunities to score, while SS Dempo College effectively managed ball possession but also failed to find the back of the net.
The second half commenced with a surge of energy from SS Dempo College, leading to the first goal in the 51st minute, scored by Mohit Kankonkar, who tapped the ball into the net following a precise assist from Swavel Furtardo. The intensity of the match escalated as SS Dempo College maintained dominance in ball possession and attacking play, resulting in a second goal from Mohit Kankonkar in the 70th minute.
Following two substitutions during a lemon break, Sanquelim Government College mounted a comeback, managing to score in the 76th minute through Dhiraj Naik. However, they were unable to sustain their momentum and missed several additional chances. Seizing the opportunity, SS Dempo College secured their victory with a final goal in the 87th minute, scored by Topon Minj from a corner kick.
Best Player of the championship was awarded to Topon Minj of SS Dempo College of Commerce ans Economics, Cujira-Bambolim.
Chief guest for the valedictory ceremony was Irwin Cordo, Assistant Director (coaching) and Additional Charge of Deputy Director, Directorate of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Goa. Guest of honour was Prof Manoj Kamat, principal of SS Dempo College and Dr Satyavan Harmalkar, college director of physical education and sports Narayan Zantye College, Bicholim. Balachandra Jadar, assistant director of physical education and sports at Goa University was also present. The dignitaries presented medals and trophies to the finalists.