Team Herald
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RAIA: Navelim Sporting Club advanced to the semi-finals of Anil Kamat memorial football tournament with a commanding 2-0 victory over Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda, in a high-energy quarter-final clash at the Our Lady of Hope Church ground, Chinchinim, on Friday.
The match started with early intent from both sides. In the very 1st minute, Joyson Coutinho of Navelim Sporting Club tested the Don Bosco Oratory defence with a dangerous free-kick.
The first half remained evenly contested, with Don Bosco Oratory’s Furtado forcing another fine save from Mehboob in the 21st minute. However, Navelim SC broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when Meliston Dias calmly slotted home to make it, 1-0.
At halftime, Navelim SC held a narrow but deserved lead. Don Bosco Oratory came out with renewed aggression in the second half. Cliff Barretto fired a strong effort in the 33rd minute, only to be denied once again by the in-form Mehboob.
In the 54th minute, Navelim SC doubled their advantage through Reham Sayed, who made no mistake in front of goal. Don Bosco Oratory tried to respond, with Valito Miranda nearly scoring in the 58th minute, but Hussain’s reflexes once again came to the rescue. Clencio’s final free-kick in the 59th minute also failed to get past the Navelim SC custodian.
Despite the defeat, Don Bosco Oratory’s Cliff Barretto was awarded the man-of-the-match.