RAIA: In a gripping quarter-final encounter at the Musson ground, Majorda, Navelim Sports Club emerged victorious against the reigning champions CAC Cansaulim in the 22nd Fr Basilio Andrade memorial 9-a-side football tournament. With a final score of 3-2, Navelim Sports Club became the first team to secure a coveted place in the semi-finals of this tournament organised by the Associacao Academica de Majorda-Utorda-Calata.
The high-intensity game unfolded with Navelim SC taking the lead just before the breather with Darren Peixoto unleashing a spectacular volley that left the Cansaulim goalkeeper with no chance. This opening goal set the stage for a thrilling encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Navelim SC’s substitute Valinton Almeida doubled their lead. A cross from the right flank deflected off Almeida’s thigh, but his quick reactions and poise turned the situation in Navelim SC’s favour. He skillfully placed the ball past the Cansaulim keeper the second time of asking, sealing the second goal for Navelim SC.
Navelim further extended their lead to three goals when Clinton Niasso showcased remarkable finesse. With a sublime chip over the advancing Cansaulim goalkeeper, Niasso poked the ball in before the Cansaulim defenders could deny him.
Nevertheless, CAC Cansaulim showed resilience and determination, pulling one back when a low corner deflected off a Navelim SC defender and found the back of the net. This goal injected a fresh burst of hope into the Cansaulim side.
Fuelled by their initial success, Cansaulim continued to press Navelim SC’s defence and it didn’t take long for Selwyn Soares to capitalise on the opportunity. Beating the Navelim SC goalkeeper, Soares brought his team within striking distance, reducing the deficit to a single goal.
Both teams had chances to increase their tally, but wayward shots kept the scoreline unchanged.
Earlier, in a nail-biting clash, Ambelim Sports Club orchestrated a stunning comeback, overturning a two-goal deficit to emerge victorious in the tie-breaker against Parish Youth Nuvem, 5-4, earning themselves a spot in the quarter-finals.
In the 6th minute of the first half, Floiton Quadros’ precise shot left Ambelim SC’s goalkeeper, Ivan D’Silva, with no chance, finding the back of the net. PY Nuvem’s early lead was then doubled in the 20th minute when Mildroy placed the ball into the goal following a free-kick.
However, Ambelim SC showcased incredible composure despite being two goals down. Their tenacity and determination paid off as Blasco Fernandes, in the second minute of the second half, executed a perfect header from a long throw-in that sailed past Nuvem’s goalkeeper Melroy Borges.
Ambelim SC remarkable comeback continued, in the 10th minute, Semson’s powerful volley took a deflection before nestling into the corner of PY Nuvem’s net, levelling the scores and setting the stage for a gripping tie-breaker.
In the dramatic tie-breaker that followed, Ambelim Sports Club proved to be more composed shooters. They managed to convert three of their spot kicks, while Nuvem could only find the target twice.
