Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
RAIA: Ambelim Sports Club moved into a next round with a resounding 4-0 victory over Shiroda Youth Club in a thrilling encounter of the 26th Our Lady of Merces All-Goa 8-a-side football tournament played at Chinchinim Church ground, on Friday.
Ambelim SC wasted no time asserting dominance, with Ozen Silva drawing first blood in the very 2nd minute. The early goal set the tone for the match as Samson Fernandes doubled the lead in the 21st minute with a clinical finish, sending Ambelim SC into the lemon break with a commanding 2-0 lead.
The second half saw more fireworks from the Ambelim SC side, with Samson Fernandes once again finding the net in the 51st minute, completing his brace and widening the gap. Just minutes later, in the 57th minute, Ronit Correia sealed the match with a brilliant strike, capitalising on a surgically precise through ball from an inspired Samson.
Shiroda YC, though on the back foot, displayed flashes of brilliance. Pushkar Prabhu came agonisingly close with a thunderous effort that whistled just wide of the target. Despite the scoreline, both goalkeepers - Ozen Silva of Ambelim SC and Pearson Vaz of Shiroda YC - delivered stellar performances under pressure, making a string of remarkable saves.