FC Goa rope in Iker for 24-25
PANJIM: FC Goa announced the return of striker Iker Guarrotxena for the upcoming 2024-25 season of Indian Super League.
The 31-year-old Spaniard’s presence is expected to be a significant boost for the Gaurs as they aim for glory in the Indian Super League (ISL), Durand Cup and the Kalinga Super Cup.
Guarrotxena first joined FC Goa in the 2022-23 season, making an immediate impact both on and off the field. In 23 appearances across the ISL and the Kalinga Super Cup, he scored 13 goals, becoming the club's top-scorer for the season. His technical brilliance and leadership qualities quickly established him as a fan favourite and a crucial part of the team’s success.
After his impressive stint with the Men in Orange, Guarrotxena returned to Spain but soon found his way back to India, joining Mumbai City FC for a short spell last season.
In just six matches for the Islanders, he registered three goals and two assists, playing a pivotal role in their strong performance in the latter half of the ISL League Stage, which concluded with them finishing as runners-up - just above the Gaurs.
Mix Blood Seraulim in final
RAIA: Mix Blood Seraulim down Brazilian Boys, 1-0, to enter the final of the inter-ward Seraulim football tournament, organised by Brazilian Boys, Duncolim, and held at Seraulim Church ground.
The all-important goal came in the 41st minute from Melroy Pacheco, who received a defense-splitting pass from Steven Fernandes. Melroy darted in and smartly placed the ball past the outrushing goalkeeper Greyson Fernandes.
Credit goes to Mix Blood's goalkeeper Camilo Ferrao, who made at least three brilliant saves, denying Brazilian Boys any goals during regular time.
Brazilian Boys entered the field with confidence, dominating the first 10 minutes and keeping Mix Blood on the back foot. However, Mix Blood gained confidence and started making inroads but failed, leading to a 0-0 scoreline at halftime.
In the second half, Brazilian Boys continued to dominate until Mix Blood capitalised on a counter-attack. With all Brazilian Boys' players forward, Mix Blood took advantage, and Elroy Pacheco scored the lone goal, ultimately securing the match-winning point.
Camilo Ferrao was awarded the man-of-the-match by Saloni Da Costa for his outstanding performance.
Mix Blood Seraulim will now face Active Youth PerSeraulim in the finals on July 14.
Guirdolim Club down Raia SC
RAIA: Guirdolim Club defeated Raia Sporting Club, 3-1, move into the quarterfinal of 16th St Anthony Festival Cup 2024, organised by St Anthony FC, Assolda, at Moll ground, Assolda, on Wednesday.
Guirdolim opened the scoreline through Louie Noronha in the 16th minute. Later, Mario Fernandes also recorded his name on the scoresheet by netting a brace in the 22th and 25th minute to make it 3-0 for Guirdolim.
In the second half, Sidney Gauncar of Raia pulled a goal back in the 50th minute.
Ambelim SC in quarters
RAIA: Ambelim SC defeated Betalbatim Sporting Club, 4-1, to enter the quarterfinals of 2nd Fr Bruno Leitao Memorial Cup 2024, organised by Union of Chinchinim Villagers and played on Chinchinim Church ground, on Wednesday.
Both the teams started on a cautious note and the play was mostly held in the midfield and the attempts to score were also saved by both the goalkeepers to keep a clean sheet till the 29th minute, when Blasco Fernandes of Ambelim SC broke the deadlock to make it 1-0 with a clean placement.
At half time Ambelim were leading, 1-0.
At the start of second half, Ashfin Pinto increased the lead for Ambelim by scoring two goals in the 2nd and 15th minute to make it 3-0.
In the 16th minute Kith Rodrigues headed home the free kick taken by Gladson Braganza to reduce the margin by one for Betalbatim Sporting.
In the 26th minute, Blasco Fernandes scored his second goal for Ambelim SC to make it 4-1. Betalbatim Sporting tried for a comeback but Ozen Silva stood strong in the Ambelim goal.
Blasco Fernandes of Ambelim Sports Club was presented man-of-the-match award from chief guest Chinchinim Dy Sarpanch Sharmila Gracias
Sporting Club Virabhat advance
RAIA: Sporting Club Virabhat defeated Madel Sports Club, 3-1, to advance into the quarterfinals of the 1st Caniza Peixoto Memorial Football tournament, organised by Agxem Sports Club and held at St Alex Church ground, in Curtorim, on Wednesday.
Sporting Club Virabhat started aggressively from the outset. Their efforts paid off when Joslan Fernandes' powerful 30-yard right-footer found the net, leaving the Madel goalkeeper with no chance. Meanwhile, Maxwell of Madel missed the target with his right-footed shot from the box. Sporting Club Virabhat led 1-0 at halftime.
After the break, Madel adjusted their strategy. Velister set up Asher, who skillfully scored past the Virabhat goalkeeper to level the score at 1-1. However, Sporting Club Virabhat regained control, with Joslan Fernandes scoring again to complete his brace and Ricee Fernandes adding a goal during injury time.
Joslan Fernandes of Virabhat was awarded man-of-the-match by Caitan Marian Gomes, former player of Agxem Sports Club.