Team Herald
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RAIA: CAC Cansaulim booked their place in the semi-finals of Fr Basilio Andrade memorial football tournament, with a 2-0 win over AA de Majorda Utorda Calata at the Musson ground, Majorda.
Majorda started brightly and dictated play in the early stages. Shenwyn Rodrigues sent a long ball forward to Beevan D’Mello, whose quick run and powerful drive were tipped over by the Cansaulim goalkeeper. Soon after, Lysander Barreto set up Ashley Rodrigues with a neat through pass, but Ashley’s heavy first touch denied him a clear chance.
Oscar Braganza then slipped the ball cleverly into Ashley’s path again, but hesitation in front of goal allowed the Cansaulim defence to regroup and clear the danger.
Cansaulim began to settle as the match progressed and created chances of their own. Milroy Fernandes’ free-kick from 22 yards flew over the bar, while Ashwin Fernandes’ early attempt on the break was easily gathered by Majorda goalkeeper Fredy Fernandes.
Milroy later tried an ambitious strike from near the halfway line, forcing Fredy into a comfortable save. Fredy then launched a counter that found Beevan, but his shot lacked power.
Cansaulim’s breakthrough came when Ashwin, denied earlier by Fredy’s fine fingertip save, broke free on the left flank, surged into the box, and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner for the opening goal.
Minutes later, fortune favoured Cansaulim when Roystone Correia’s attempted clearance ricocheted off Ashwin and deflected into the net, leaving Fredy stranded as the score turned 2-0.
Majorda pushed hard in the second half to stage a comeback. Beevan and Ashley combined well on the right, forcing a series of corners. From one such set-piece, Roystone flicked the ball on for Russolo Fernandes, but his shot was blocked by a crowded defence.
Lysander’s powerful long-range effort narrowly missed the post, and in stoppage time, Beevan’s final attempt drifted agonisingly wide.
In the end, Cansaulim’s composure and defensive discipline ensured their progress into the semi-finals. Ashley Rodrigues of Majorda was named man-of-the-match, with the award presented by Andre Braganza.
