TEAM HERALD
sports@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Ambelim Sports Club survived a late scare to post a narrow 1-0 win over Raia Sporting Club and advance into the quarter-finals of all-Goa Vodafone inter-village football tournament organized by Colmorod Ratvaddo Sports Club, Navelim at Rosary ground, Navelim, Friday. There was no score at half time.
| MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Joston Barbosa of Raia receiving the cash prize from Revelino Coutinho at Rosary ground, Navelim, Friday. |
Ambelim dominated the game and could taken the lead in the fifth minute but Jade Colaco’s stiff shot missed the mark narrowly.
Meanwhile, Raia did not live up to the expectations as they could not make much impact on the rival citadel.
Midway in the first half, Ambelim missed an easy chance to surge ahead when striker Ashley Fernandes shot wide from close range after being fed by midfielder Percival Silva. Later, Jade Colaco was denied by rival goalkeeper Teofano.
Raia tried their best to break the deadlock but their forwards were erratic after reaching the rival danger zone.
Crossing over, Ambelim showed urgency in their approach with midfielder Percival D’Silva working overtime to keep his forwards busy with a stream of fluent passes.
The lone goal of the match came in the 45th minute when Ashley Fernandes slotted past the rival goalkeeper with a snap shot after he was fed by Jade.
Spurred by the success, Ambelim piled on the pressure and kept their opponents on the backfoot. Ashely nearly made it 2-0 but rival goalkeeper was equal to the task and averted the danger.
With time running out, Raia went all-out in search of the equalizer and made a couple of attempts at the rival goal. First, Remedio Pango’s rasping shot hit the post much to the dismay of the Raia bench and later, Joel Fernandes’ rasping shot missed the mark narrowly.
Joston Barbosa of Raia was adjudged Most Valuable Player. Ambelim received Rs 2,000.
