Cortalim Villagers Rally to Defeat Bidesh XI; Vasco SC and Churchill Brothers Share Spoils

Goa Khabar:Cortalim Villagers SWSC dug deep to overturn an early deficit and secure a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Bidesh XI SC in a competitive Goa Professional League clash.

The contest opened at a brisk pace with Bidesh XI asserting themselves early through physical midfield play. Their intent was rewarded in the 32nd minute when Garrison Fernandes drove forward and fired goalward. Cortalim goalkeeper Frevino Fernandes got a hand to the shot but could not prevent it from slipping over the line handing Bidesh a deserved lead.

Cortalim responded with urgency. They increased their tempo and began to stretch the Bidesh backline creating pressure through set-pieces and second balls. Despite sustained attacks they were kept at bay by a disciplined Bidesh defence and a commanding performance from goalkeeper Cydon D’Souza who denied Cortalim on multiple occasions before the break. Bidesh meanwhile, came close to doubling their advantage when a crowded box scramble saw an effort strike the crossbar preserving the one-goal margin at half-time.

The second half marked a clear shift in momentum. Cortalim emerged sharper and more aggressive committing numbers forward. Their persistence paid off in the 49th minute when a scramble inside the penalty area saw Norman Dias react quickest steering the ball home to restore parity.

With confidence growing Cortalim continued to press and looked the more assured side as the game entered its final phase. The turning point arrived in the 85th minute when a corner resulted in a handball inside the box. Sidney Lucas stepped up and calmly dispatched the penalty completing the comeback and sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. Bidesh attempted a late response, but Cortalim’s defensive unit held its shape and composure under pressure to close out the contest.

At Tilak Maidan, Vasco SC and Churchill Brothers settled for a 2-2 draw in a match that swung both ways. Vasco struck first through Ronaldo Pereira in the 22nd minute and looked to be in control for long spells. Churchill Brothers responded after the break with Richard Costa bringing them back into the contest in the 62nd minute. Vasco regained the lead late on when Harshad Naik scored in the 78th minute, but Churchill refused to fold. Aliton Furtado equalised in the 72nd minute ensuring a share of points in a competitive encounter.