KUWAIT CITY, March 9: The XVI edition of the prestigious Goa Rolling Trophy sponsored by Bassem Intl Trading Co (Charles D’Sa), kicked off at the MOH Grounds on 5th March 2010, with two pre-quarterfinals and one quarterfinal match. The tournament is organized under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) and officiated by KIFF Referees.

In the day’s first match, CRC Chinchinim got the better of the young Santos Football Club, mostly made up of youngsters. Edwin Gomes gave CRC the lead in the 13th minute with a simple tap in after Prakash did all the hard work of beating the Santos defense and laying on the pass. The advantage however last just two minutes, as Abdulsalam of Santos received a clever pass from Anil Kumar on the break and had only to round the keeper to equalize. The first half saw the youngsters miss a host of chances for Santos, which could have resulted in a different score line. With the change of ends, CRC took the lead after 10 minutes. Edwin once again required tapping in, for the second time. Four minutes later, Prakash put the match beyond Santos FC, with a long range effort that completely beat  Philip under the Santos bar.
In the second match, Kuwait Goan Association edged out Curtocares United by a solitary goal. The all important goal coming off the boots of Alfred in the first half. Curtorcares goalkeeper, Olavo, had an outstanding game as he made some daring saves, off Jimmy, Vitorino and Zelito, to keep the score line down. But he was helpless against Alfred’s header off Jimmy’s cross. Curtorcares mounted the pressure in the second half, looking for the elusive equalizer but were kept at bay by KGA’s defenders Alex and Pradeep. Had it not been for Olavo’s heroics, KGA might have won by a tennis score.
In the day’s final match, Rising Stars overcame a spirited United Goans Centre by three goals to nil to book their place in the Championship semifinals. Rising Stars scored with Dominic’s header in the 28th minute and Fajilu in the 32nd minute. The final goal was netted by Mohd. Rafi in the second half.
Earlier, the Chief Guest, Charles D’sa, General Manager of Bassem International Trading Company, was introduced to both teams by Goan Overseas Association’s President, Raymond D’Sa.
The Draw of this tournament was held at the Village Inn restaurant on 22 February in the presence of KIFF President and KIFF Sports Secretary as well as representatives of all the participating teams. GOA President, Raymond D’Sa welcomed all the guests and reminded everyone of the spirit of Fair Play. After the draw, Tony Correia, VP of GOA and KIFF, proposed a Vote of Thanks.
 

Quater final matches to be played on Friday (12 March 2010)

Indian Strikers vs Kuwait Goan Association at 06:45

United Friends vs CRC Chinchinim at 08:00

GOA Maroons vs Navelim Youth at 09:15