Tag: Sports News

Sports

Prime Volleyball League 2025: Goa Guardians Set for Semi-Final Showdown Against Mumbai Meteors

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s volleyball dream continues to soar. In their debut season in the RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia, the Goa Guardians have stormed into the semi-finals and now face a formidable challenge against the Mumbai Meteors on Friday, October 24th, at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad at 6.30 p.m.

Goa’s path to the semis was sealed dramatically after the Delhi Toofans edged out Kolkata Thunderbolts in a tense five-set thriller. That result secured Goa’s place among the final four – a remarkable feat for a franchise competing for the first time on India’s premier volleyball stage.

Led by captain Chirag Yadav, the Guardians have impressed with their balanced gameplay and fearless attitude. Star attacker Nato Dickinson and blocker Prince Malik have been central to Goa’s success, combining sharp serves with high-energy blocks. Their chemistry on the court has given the team a creative edge, while libero Ramanathan’s defensive resilience has frustrated opponents throughout the campaign.

Mumbai, on the other hand, enter the semi-final as one of the most consistent teams of the season, known for their attacking depth and cohesive unit play. With powerful spiker Amit Gulia and setter Om Vasant Lad dictating the rhythm, the Meteors have been one of the most clinical sides this year.

However, Goa’s unpredictable style and rising momentum make them dangerous underdogs. They have nothing to lose and everything to prove. For the Meteors, it’s about maintaining composure and converting experience into execution.

When the lights shine on Friday night, Hyderabad will witness a thrilling contest between ambition and experience – a semi-final that promises intensity, noise, and volleyball of the highest caliber.

Sports

Al Nassr Edge Past FC Goa 2-1 in AFC Champions League Thriller at Fatorda

allycaralgoa

Goa witnessed a spectacular night of football as Al Nassr edged past FC Goa 2-1 in a pulsating AFC Champions League Group D fixture at the Fatorda Stadium. The clash brought together two footballing cultures — the passion of Goan fans and the star power of the Saudi giants — resulting in a memorable showdown.

The match began with Al Nassr asserting dominance early on. Angelo Gabriel opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a precise finish that silenced the home crowd. Goa tried to find rhythm, but Al Nassr doubled their lead in the 27th minute through Haroune Camara, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot the ball past the goalkeeper.

Just when it seemed Al Nassr would cruise to victory, FC Goa responded with a moment of brilliance. In the 41st minute, Brison Fernandes showcased grit and composure, pulling one back for the home side and igniting hope among the thousands of fans in attendance.

The second half saw Goa pressing hard, pushing for an equalizer with relentless energy, while Al Nassr’s defense stood firm under pressure. Despite a few close chances and roars from the stands, the scoreline remained unchanged as the final whistle blew.

While Al Nassr walked away with the points, FC Goa earned admiration for their fighting spirit against one of Asia’s elite teams. The result places Al Nassr in a strong position in Group D, but Goa’s spirited display ensures they remain a side to watch in the continental competition.

The atmosphere at Fatorda was electric, reminding everyone why football holds a special place in Goan hearts — passion, pride, and perseverance. ⚽🔥

Sports

Goa Clinches Dominant Ranji Trophy Victory Over Chandigarh by an Innings and 75 Runs

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s Senior Men’s Ranji Trophy team delivered an emphatic performance in their latest fixture, securing a commanding victory over Chandigarh by an innings and 75 runs at Porvorim. The dominant display saw key contributions from all departments, with standout performances from Lalit Yadav and Darshan Misal.

Lalit Yadav was adjudged Player of the Match for his exceptional all-round contribution. With the ball, Darshan Misal was the hero, claiming a total of eight wickets—three in the first innings and five in the second—effectively dismantling Chandigarh’s batting order.

The team’s morale was high as they celebrated this crucial win alongside Goa Cricket Association (GCA) President Shri Mahesh Dessai, Secretary Shri Tulshidas Shetye, Vice President Paresh Fadte, Joint Secretary Anant Naik, Treasurer Abdul Majid, Head Coach Milap Mewada, and Assistant Coach Doda Ganesh. The presence of GCA leadership at the venue added to the sense of pride and encouragement for the players.

This victory not only boosts Goa’s standing in the Ranji Trophy campaign but also reflects the growing strength and depth of cricketing talent in the state. The team earned seven points from the match, including a bonus point for the outright win.

Goa Cricket now moves forward with momentum and confidence for their upcoming matches in the tournament, aiming to build on this performance and make a strong bid in the domestic season.

Sports

Goa Guardians Clinch First Victory in Prime Volleyball League 2025 with Five-Set Thriller Over Ahmedabad

Tanisha Cardozo

In a high-voltage showdown at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad, Goa Guardians pulled off a stunning comeback to register their first victory of the Prime Volleyball League 2025. Facing the formidable Ahmedabad Defenders, Goa held their nerve in a back-and-forth five-set thriller, clinching the match 13-15, 15-11, 9-15, 18-16, 19-17.

The match had everything—drama, tension, momentum swings, and standout performances. From the very first serve, both teams traded blows, with super serves, video reviews, and rapid-fire spikes dominating the opening minutes. Ahmedabad, led by the attacking trio of Angamuthu, Shon T, and Batsuuri, looked dangerous early on, while Muthusamy Appavu set the tone with slick plays from the backcourt.

Goa’s captain Chirag Yadav marshaled his squad with intensity, while foreign imports Jeffrey Menzel and Nathaniel Dickinson powered the offense with sharp spikes and smart shot placement. Defensive stalwart Prince made a major impact at the net with commanding blocks, frustrating Ahmedabad’s front line.

Despite dropping the third set, Goa rallied in the fourth with back-to-back clutch plays, particularly from Menzel, who refused to let the game slip away. The fifth and final set brought peak intensity. Batsuuri’s super serve seemed to tilt the game in Ahmedabad’s favour, but Goa responded with a game-changing super point. Then, Dickinson and Menzel turned up the pressure, with the latter sealing the match with a powerful spike to complete an unforgettable comeback.

Rohit Yadav, whose steady hand and precise setting played a crucial role throughout the match, was deservingly named Player of the Match. For Goa Guardians, the win marks a turning point in their campaign, after two heartbreaking five-set losses earlier in the season.

This victory not only puts Goa on the points table but also sends a clear message: the Guardians are here to compete.

Sports

Is Cristiano Ronaldo Coming to Goa? Here’s What We Know

Tanisha Cardozo

FC Goa’s CEO, Ravi Puskur, has spoken candidly about the buzz surrounding Al Nassr’s visit to India — and the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo joining the team on the trip.

In a strong statement, Puskur acknowledged the magnitude of the situation. “Let’s be frank, this footballer is bigger than the team. He owns around 20% stake in Al-Nassr, and he is such a global figure that if he decides to sit out a match, even the head coach can’t really overrule him,” he said.

The Indian Super League club is leaving no stone unturned. Puskur revealed that a delegation will be sent to speak with Ronaldo directly. “We’re sending a delegation to speak to him directly. If Ronaldo isn’t coming, we’ll be upfront about it. We don’t want to mislead anyone,” he added.

The CEO also acknowledged the hype — and the risk — for fans. Tickets are reportedly selling fast. “But if he does come and tickets are already sold out, then fans who took that chance will have struck gold,” said Puskur. “They will get to watch, possibly, the greatest footballer ever to walk the planet. After all, a clash with Al Nassr, one of Saudi Arabia’s top clubs, is an event in itself.”

The anticipation now boils down to two key points, as outlined by Puskur:
One — Cristiano Ronaldo is officially registered to play in the match.
Two — Whether or not he boards the flight to Goa.

“That’s something we will only know closer to the time,” he concluded.

If it happens, it will be a landmark moment for Indian football — one that could go down in history as the day Cristiano Ronaldo brought his game to Goa.