TEAM?HERALD
PANJIM: Ponda Veterans beat Bangladesh Veterans by a solitary goal to qualify for the semi-finals of 4th All-India veterans football tournament organized by Shivaji Sports Academy Kolhapur at Sahu Maharaj ground, Kolhapur.
Last year’s runners-up, Ponda Veterans started off on an attacking note and could have taken the lead in the fourth minute but Brian’s attempt was punched out by Bangladesh keeper off a move by Rosario Carvalho.
Ponda scored the match-winner in the 15th minute when Santan Colaco gave a through pass to Rosario and the latter’s powerful shot from 40 yards beat the goalkeeper. Ponda attacked through Vincent and Ramesh but the last named ballooned over from close range.
In the second half, Rosario’s and Luis’ shot was saved by Bangladesh keeper while at other end Anand Arkondkar saved Hussain’s and Mehboob’s shot diving full length. Ponda will play Kerala Police in the semi-finals on Saturday.
