Salgaocar FC defeated FC Bardez 2-0 in the GFA Champions Trophy Charity Match played at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Sunday.

Gilbert Oliveira 45+1’and substitute Clencio Pinto 77’scored for the winners in the curtain raiser match. Armando Colaco played a balanced squad with skipper Jessel marshalling the defence while Shubham Dessai led the attack.

The Goa Pro League champions were captained by Rosario Mendes. Lalit Tariad on the left wing made quite an impact on the game with Mackroy Peixoto in the midfield and Gilbert in the strike.

The match was played on equal footing as the teams restricted midfield play in the first quarter of the match.

Salgaocar soon went on to dominate the match proceedings and attacked through Mackroy Peixoto who swiftly passed the ball to Gilbert Oliveira however the defender got to ball first.

Mackroy initiated yet another move and sent in a brilliant ball to Gilbert, the striker dribbled past two defenders and shot towards the goal but to his dismay his strike hit the crossbar.

Salgaocar continued their domination as the match progressed. A corner kick taken by Agnelo Colaco found Leny Pereira however the latter’s strike missed the rival nets by inches.

Salgaocar finally managed to find the breakthrough in the added time of the first half through Gilbert. Harmanjot made the run from the flanks and sent in a brilliant ball to Glibert. The striker made no mistake to head the ball home making it 1-0 in the favour of the reigning Goa Pro League Champions.

FC Bardez tried hard to make amends and find the equaliser but were unfortunate enough to get the ball past the rival midfield.

Post resumption, Salgaocar FC made three changes with Clencio, Senson and Ribhav taking on the pitch while FC Bardez brought on Clinton Niasso and Ravil Azavedo.
Salgaocar FC determined to increase the lead started attacking from the word go and missed a couple’s of chances at the goal. FC Bardez however defended resolutely and tried to score through counter attack.

Later, Salgaocar FC skipper Rosario was booked for a double footed tackle on FC Bardez’ Dadapeer Patil.

A few minutes later, Jessel sent in an amazing corner towards Lenstan Afonso who headed the ball on target; the attempt marked as the first on goal attempt for FC Bardez.

FC Bardez which was undermined throughout the first half came back stronger and made a series of attempts thereafter but failed to find the net.

In a counter attack move by Salgaocar FC, super-sub Clencio Pinto nailed in an astonishing goal to give his team a 2-goal lead. Coach Norberto’s substitutions proved to be on mark as Ribhav sent in the ball to Clencio who brilliantly placed the ball home.

Earlier at half-time, a minute’s silence was observed in the memory of former GFA referee Kevoy Fernandes.

(Goa Football Association)