RAIA: Ambelim SC defeated United Club Verna, 5-3, via the tie-breaker to advance to the semi-finals of the Fr Bruno Leitao Memorial Cup 2024, organised by the Union of Chinchinim villagers, played on the Chinchinim Church ground on Thursday.
Ambelim SC began aggressively, with Asfin Pinto and Arvind persistently challenging the Verna defense. Their efforts resulted in a free kick in the 9th minute just outside the left corner of the penalty box, but the Verna goalkeeper made a crucial save. A follow-up attempt by Asfin hit the post and went out for a goal kick. Verna soon regrouped and launched attacks but failed to breach the Ambelim defense. In the 24th minute, the Verna goalkeeper made a vital one-on-one save against Asfin, keeping the score 0-0 at halftime.
Both teams resumed the second half cautiously. In the 14th minute, Asfin’s cross from a tight angle was cleared for a corner by a Verna defender. Verna also increased their offensive efforts, and in the 17th minute, Cliford Rebello capitalised on a loose clearance by Ambelim to give United Club Verna the lead. Despite this setback, Ambelim continued to press for an equaliser. In the final minute, a save from a Micheal Silva attempt was intercepted by Arvind, who converted it to level the score at 1-1.
The match went to a tie-breaker where Ambelim SC excelled, with Micheal Silva, Velroy Fernandes, Asfin Pinto, and Blasco Fernandes all scoring. For United Club Verna, Saivon Albuquerque and Savio Pereira found the net, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Ambelim’s superior shooting.
Asfin Pinto of Ambelim SC was awarded the man-of-the-match given by Ivy Ferrao, Chinchinim-Deussua village panchayat panch member.
