Team Herald
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RAIA: St Anthony SC, Assolda, marched into the final of 52nd Custodio memorial football tournament organised by Raia Sporting Association, with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over hosts Raia Sporting Club in the first semi-final played at Raia panchayat ground, on Friday.
The match started with early chances for both sides. Sunny Fernandes of St Anthony SC came close in the 4th minute, his attempt narrowly missing the target.
Raia SC responded with a counter-attack from Joyson Gauncar, whose shot flew over the crossbar in the 7th minute. A dangerous effort by Velito Cruz of Raia SC was also pushed away to safety by the St Anthony SC goalkeeper.
The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Sheldon Pexito of St Anthony SC found the back of the net, giving his team a 1-0 lead. The St Anthony SC side then tightened their midfield, cutting off supplies to the Raia SC strikers and maintaining their advantage into the second half.
Raia SC, however, found an equaliser in the 65th minute through a clever move by Joyson Gauncar, making it 1-1 and reigniting hopes for the home side. But St Anthony SC quickly regained the lead just four minutes later, in the 69th minute, when Frazer Gomes struck the decisive goal to make it 2-1.