Curtorim, Goa — Batora United Football Club advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2nd Caniza Peixoto Memorial Football Tournament with a gritty 1-0 victory over a resilient St. Anthony FC, in a match organized by Black Arrow Boys Agxem Sports Club at the St. Alex Church ground in Curtorim.
The match began with both sides showing attacking intent, but it was St. Anthony who appeared the more threatening in the early stages. In the 12th minute, Lester Dias unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box that looked destined for the net, but Batora’s goalkeeper Caitano Gomes produced a brilliant diving save to tip the ball over for a corner, setting the tone for his standout performance.
Batora United responded with precision in the 22nd minute. A swift attacking move saw Shown Dias deliver a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Alynir Fernandes, who coolly slotted the ball past the advancing St. Anthony keeper to give Batora a 1-0 lead — a lead they would hold onto for the rest of the match.
The second half saw St. Anthony intensify their attack, led by the midfield trio of Sneden, Lester, and Celvino, who worked tirelessly to create openings. However, Batora’s defence remained composed and organized, frustrating their opponents at every turn.
Time and again, St. Anthony pressed forward, but Caitano Gomes stood firm, commanding his area with authority and pulling off a string of vital saves that kept his side in the lead. His heroic efforts earned him the Man of the Match award, which was presented by Silvester Silveira, a member of the organizing Agxem Sports Club.
As the final whistle blew, Batora United celebrated a hard-earned win that not only showcased their resilience but also underlined their ambitions in the tournament. They now move confidently into the quarterfinals, eyeing a deep run in this prestigious local competition held in memory of Caniza Peixoto.
