Xavier's Gold Cup commences; Dhempe win inaugural match

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Xavier’s Gold Cup inter-college football tournament kicked-off on Tuesday at St. Xavier’s College ground, Mapusa. Dhempe College, Miramar defeated Government College, Quepem 7-6 via tiebreaker in the inaugural match.

The opening match of the tournament proved to be a well contested affair with either side exhibiting a beautiful brand of football. The teams were locked 1-1 at full time.

Government College had the first look at the rival goal when playmaker Micky Vas’ 40-yard free kick was kept at bay by the Dhempe goalkeeper. Nevertheless Micky’s hard work paid dividends in the 10^th minute when he neatly chipped the ball into the rival nets from 25-yards.

In the first half, Dhempe never really made any convincing moves except for Myron Fernandes’ deadly runs upfront.

Crossing ends, fortunes switched as Dhempe started to enjoy more of the ball. Just four minutes into the second session the Miramar side found the equalizer. Myron made a dangerous run on the right flank before feeding Francisco on a platter. The latter fumbled yet managed to send the ball home 1-1.

Pressure kept mounting at both ends as the match progressed towards its closure. At the end of regulation time the teams remained levelled at 1-1.

In the resultant tiebreaker Dhempe scored through Gauresh Dias, Raymond Rodrigues, Minesh Kunkolkar, Jerson Pereira, Rohit Ramdan and Dayesh while Micky, Briton Faria, Jelies Gracias, Anthony Fernandes and Allan Carvalho netted for the Quepem side.

Myron Fernandes of Dhempe was adjudged as the man of the match.

Prior to the match, the teams were introduced to the chief guest Rev. Dr. Walter De Sa, Principal of St. Xavier’s College. Fr. Walter inaugurated the tournament which is being organized as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the college. Vice principals Mr. Herwin Furtado and Mrs. Ursula Barreto also graced the occasion.