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RAIA: Benaulim Veterans defeated Vasco Veterans 4-3 via the tie-breaker to move into the final of UK Goans Dynamic Group football tournament, played at Dando ground, Benaulim, on Tuesday.
In the tie-breaker, Benaulim Veterans proved to be the better shooters.
Earlier, Calangute Veterans triumphed over Quepem Veterans 6-4 via the tie-breaker in a dramatic penalty shootout, emerging victorious 6-4 after a 2-2 draw in regular time to march ahead.
The game began at a fast and furious pace, with Calangute drawing first blood in the 22nd minute. A powerful strike from Allwyn was mishandled by Quepem goalkeeper Glorio, allowing Calangute to take the lead. The first half ended 1-0 in favour of Calangute, but Quepem came out with renewed vigour and ideas after the break.
Quepem’s relentless attacking pressure paid off in the 33rd minute when an error from Calangute goalkeeper Seby allowed Pascoal to score the equaliser. Then, just Seven minutes later, Rosario put Quepem ahead with a thunderous shot, putting them in the driver’s seat and seeming to book their spot in the final.
But Calangute refused to back down. In the 47th minute, Robert levelled the scores with a brilliant header, thanks to a precise assist from Marcus Carvalho. With the match deadlocked at 2-2, both teams could only look ahead to the nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
When the dust settled after the shootout, it was Calangute who held their nerve, proved to be better shooters.
