GFA First Division League: Nuvem, Mandopa share the spoils; Cortalim blank Curtorim

GFA Media

The much awaited second tier football league of the state finally started with Salcete Zone.

In a thrilling encounter between Nuvem Sports Club and Mandopa Sporting Club, both teams fought hard to secure a win in the GFA First Division League 2022-23. The match was held at Navelim ground in Salcete, Goa, and began at 4.00 pm.

The game started with both teams playing aggressively, trying to gain an early advantage. Nuvem Sports Club created a few early chances but was unable to capitalize on them. Mandopa Sporting Club, on the other hand, was relying on counter-attacks and looked dangerous every time they moved forward.

In the 66th minute, Mandopa Sporting Club took the lead when Mackroy Pixoto scored a brilliant goal. The Nuvem Sports Club defense was caught off guard, and Pixoto made no mistake in finding the back of the net.

Nuvem Sports Club was not ready to give up just yet and continued to push forward, looking for an equalizer. They were finally able to level the score in the 79th minute when Selton Fernandes scored an impressive goal. Fernandes received a pass just outside the penalty area, took a few steps forward, and then struck the ball into the bottom corner of the net, leaving the Mandopa Sporting Club goalkeeper with no chance.

The match became even more intense after the equalizer, with both teams going all out in search of a winner. Mandopa Sporting Club had a few good chances to regain the lead, but the Nuvem Sports Club goalkeeper made some crucial saves to keep them in the game.

In the end, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams earning a point each.

Cortalim Villagers ease past Curtorim Gymkhana

Cortalim Villagers Sports & Social Welfare Association secured an impressive victory over Curtorim Gymkhana in a highly anticipated match of the GFA First Division League 2022-23. The game took place at the Betalbatim ground, and the spectators were in for a treat.

The match began with both teams starting strongly, but it was Cortalim Villagers Sports & Social Welfare Association who took the early initiative. They opened the scoring in the 8th minute when Preston Fernandes found the back of the net with a well-placed shot that left the Curtorim Gymkhana goalkeeper with no chance.

Cortalim Villagers Sports & Social Welfare Association kept up the pressure and soon doubled their lead. In the 21st minute, Amar Estibeiro scored an excellent goal that gave his team a comfortable 2-0 lead. The Curtorim Gymkhana players looked shell-shocked and were struggling to find their rhythm.

Cortalim Villagers Sports & Social Welfare Association continued to dominate the proceedings and added another goal just before halftime. Preston Fernandes scored his second goal of the game in the 44th minute, putting his team in a commanding position going into the second half.

The second half saw Curtorim Gymkhana trying to mount a comeback, but they were unable to break down the solid defense of Cortalim Villagers Sports & Social Welfare Association. The home team continued to press forward and created a few more scoring opportunities but were unable to convert them into goals.

In the end, Cortalim Villagers Sports & Social Welfare Association emerged as comfortable 3-0 winners. They played with confidence and discipline, and their efforts were rewarded with a well-deserved victory. The Curtorim Gymkhana players will have to regroup and come up with a better performance if they are to compete in the rest of the league.