Team Herald
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MAPUSA: Dunes Sports Club, Mandrem, moved into the next round of Saligao Super Soccer 2025 after eliminating the hosts Saligao United with a narrow 1-0 victory at the Vagator ground, on Friday.
The decisive goal came relatively early in the match, with Dunes SC breaking the deadlock in the 21st minute.
A well-placed through ball from Sylvester Dias found Arjun Shetgaonkar who finished expertly by lobbing the Saligao United goalkeeper from outside the box.
The first half was marked by missed opportunities for both sides. Saligao United nearly found an equaliser in the 28th minute after winning a free-kick on the edge of the area.
A short set piece found Latesh Mandrekar, whose deflected shot was brilliantly pushed over the crossbar by Dunes SC keeper Santosh Pujar.
Just before halftime, Dunes SC had a chance to double their lead from the penalty spot following a foul on Hrutik, but Saligao United custodian Agustin D’Mello made a crucial save to deny Sylvester Dias. The second half saw Saligao United intensify their attack in search of a goal.
In the 37th minute, Dunes SC keeper Santosh again stood tall, stopping a sharp shot from Charnel Fernandes. Fernandes remained a threat and in the 52nd minute, his shot from the left flank struck the pole. The subsequent rebound fell to Michael Dias, who unfortunately could not convert the opportunity.
