Suraj strikes as Calangute Assn stun Churchill Brothers

**Suraj Hadkonkar’s Late Strike Secures Narrow Win for Calangute Association Against Churchill Brothers**

*MAPUSA:* Suraj Hadkonkar’s 81st-minute strike enabled Calangute Association Sports Club to register a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Churchill Brothers FC in the Goa Professional League (GPL) match played at Duler Stadium on Sunday.

Following this win, Calangute Association has accumulated nine points from four matches, while Churchill Brothers FC remain with three points from four outings.

Both teams, coming off wins in their previous GPL fixtures, took the field with promise, though the first half saw limited action. Churchill Brothers coach Mohamed Ansif made tactical adjustments by strengthening his starting XI with the inclusion of midfielder Stendly Fernandes and defender Clive Miranda. On the other side, Calangute Association’s coach Anthony De Souza made a single change, bringing in U-21 player Joven Fernandes.

The first real chance came in the 33rd minute when Stendly Fernandes delivered a squared ball to an unmarked Moirangthem Berlin, but Berlin’s shot sailed over the crossbar. As the first half neared its end, Calangute Association skipper Mehbub Hublikar sent in a pinpoint cross that was cleared just in time for a corner by Churchill Brothers defender Rajendra Bairola.

Both coaches made two substitutions at halftime to inject more attacking options. Early in the second half, Churchill Brothers’ Stendly unleashed a powerful shot in the 47th minute, which was brilliantly saved by Calangute Association’s goalkeeper Aditya Sharma. Three minutes later, substitute Ronaldo Oliveira received a pass from Arun Naik but his weak shot was comfortably gathered by Churchill Brothers goalkeeper Abhinav Akkot.

The match intensified in the final quarter. In the 75th minute, Calangute Association substitute Vishesh Nasnodkar played a through ball to the overlapping Ronaldo inside the 18-yard box. However, a Churchill Brothers defender impeded Ronaldo before he could take a shot.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 81st minute when Ronaldo of Calangute Association cleverly backpassed to substitute Suraj Hadkonkar, who took his time to calmly slot the ball into the net. The goal sent the large contingent of Calangute Association supporters into raptures as their team secured a valuable 1-0 victory.

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*Calangute Association continue their impressive run in the GPL with this win, while Churchill Brothers will look to bounce back in their upcoming matches.*
https://www.heraldgoa.in/sports/suraj-strikes-as-calangute-assn-stun-churchill-brothers/449021/