Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
RAIA: In a thrilling opener of the 23rd All-Goa Veterans tournament organised by Flame of Unity Sports Club at the Flame of Unity ground, Seraulim, the home side Darshan Sounds Seraulim Veterans edged past Rovers Loutolim Veterans 5-4 in a nail-biting tie-breaker to move into the next round.
Rovers Loutolim stamped their authority early on dictating pace of the first half with fine ball possession and smart link-up play but failed to convert their dominance into goals.
After the break, Rovers Loutolim raised the tempo further pushing their midfield higher in support of the forwards, yet found no way past Seraulim’s resilient defence.
The backline, marshalled by Yuri, Babu and Rocky, stood tall, while goalkeeper Manoj Kesarkar emerged as Seraulim’s hero with a string of brilliant saves to preserve a clean sheet.
With the deadlock unbroken at full time, the contest rolled into penalties where Seraulim held their nerve to clinch a dramatic 5-4 victory, setting the perfect tone for the tournament.