Santosh Trophy: Goa hammer 14 past Dadra & Nagar Haveli

Mapusa:Goa were ruthless in their 14-0 demolition of Dadra and Nagar Haveli in their final game of the National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy West Zone qualifiers at Duler Football Stadium in Mapusa on Friday.
It was an inconsequential tie for the five-time champions, having already secured their berth in the final phase of the tournament after two consecutive wins over Rajasthan (2-0) and Madhya Pradesh (7-1).
Head coach Anthony Pereira rested captain Joaquim Abranches, experienced midfielder Velito Cruz and gave starts to several players who did not have much to do in the previous two matches.
Olvin Cardozo and Denson Fernandes scored four goals each. Aaren D’Silva could have outnumbered them but his finishing only saw him get a hat-trick. Stendly Fernandes, Ribhav Sardesai and Sanson Pereira fired in one goal each.
Although Dadra and Nagar Haveli lost their first two matches with a 0-4 scoreline, Pereira didn’t underestimate the opposition and continued with experienced Mathew Gonsalves and Joseph Clemente in central defence. Ozen Silva made his debut but was hardly tested in the goal.
Aaren and Olvin, both Sesa FA graduates, scored quick goals in the opening five minutes to set the tone. By the 20th minute, the strike pair who usually come on as substitutes for Joaquim and Devendra Murgaokar, netted their brace.
Talented Stendly than blasted the fifth past keeper Pilkit Singh off a rebound before the half an hour mark. Denson and Ribhav made sure the scoreline read 7-0 at half time.
The second session was no different as Olvin and Denson were all over the rival territory. While Olvin scored two more, Denson netted three. Aaren secured his hat-trick and substitute Sanson too unleashed a powerful strike to give Goa their biggest victory.
Rajasthan edge past MP
Earlier in the morning, Rajasthan defeated Madhya Pradesh 2-1. Madhya Pradesh took the lead through Bikram Sarkar.
But Rajasthan missed a penalty and finally equalised through Ishan Rosario. Shivam Borker netted the winner in the 81st minute.