MONDAY, MAY 06, 2024
Team Herald
RAIA: United Club of Nerul moved past Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda, 7-6, via tie-breaker to march into the quarter-finals of 26th Holy Cross inter-village football tournament played at Vodlemoll ground, Kakoda, on Thursday.
United Club of Nerul showcased their resilience by defeating Don Bosco Oratory in a nail-biting tie-breaker.
At the end of regulation time, both teams settled for a 1-1 draw.
In the first half, Don Bosco Oratory displayed commendable game play, making several attempts to score but were thwarted by the formidable defence of UC Nerul. A penalty opportunity arose for Don Bosco Oratory, but their hopes were dashed when the UC Nerul goalkeeper exhibited remarkable skill in saving the shot, denying Don Bosco Oratory the chance to take the lead.
However, luck favoured Don Bosco Oratory as they secured a 1-0 advantage through an own goal from a UC Nerul defender, off a well-curved corner kick taken by Cayven Araujo.
The second half witnessed an intense battle between the two sides, with neither able to find the back of the net until the dying minutes. UC Nerul surged forward, and Ransley Gonsalves delivered a crucial goal with a perfectly placed shot, levelling the scoreline at 1-1.
With the deadlock unbroken after full time, the match headed into a tense penalty shootout. UC Nerul held their nerve as Siddhartha, Bhavesh, Rajat, Stanley, Krupes and Anron converted their penalties, securing a hard-fought victory. Despite a valiant effort from Don Bosco Oratory, whose players Hanslem, Clive, Rahul, Cayven, and Roque also found the target, it was UC Nerul who emerged triumphant.
