Godavari Football Club suffered a 1-3 defeat against local side Nongkseh Sports Club in their final Group C match of the I-League 3 in Shillong on Friday. However, the defeat could not stop Godavari FC from creating history by qualifying for the final round as the second-best team.
Godavari FC dominated the first half and put up an impressive performance, taking the lead through Sunil. However, the home side managed to equalise before half-time, making it 1–1. Godavari FC drew first blood when V Sunil struck in the 14th minute to draw cheers from the bench. However, the lead was short-lived as a stunned Nongkseh hit back within a span of four minutes. Shano Tariang levelled the scores in the 18th minute and the teams went into the break on an even ground.
With qualification at stake, Nongseh Sports Club came back stronger in the second half, knowing that only a victory would keep their hopes of reaching the final round alive.
Dominant Godavari FC down Chhaygaon FC 3-1 to make it three wins in a row in I-League 3
After the break, Godavari continued to press on for the lead while also holding on to their citadel well. The Godavari defenders kept their rivals at bay till the 74th minute of play.
Mebankhraw K Wahlang struck in the 74th minute to give the local side the lead for the first time in the game. Three minutes later, Dawanchwa Carlos Challam settled the issue in favour of Nongksew Sports Club. The home side scored twice more to seal a 3–1 victory.
Despite the setback, Godavari FC secured qualification for the final round through their impressive performances in the group stage.
The qualification marks a historic milestone for Andhra Pradesh football, as Godavari FC become the first team from the state to qualify for the I-League 3 final round.
The achievement is a proud moment for Andhra Pradesh football and a testament to the team’s determination, hard work and fighting spirit throughout the competition.
