Team Herald
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RAIA: Cavelossim Veterans produced a stunning upset in the first semi-final of 23rd All-Goa veterans football tournament organised by Flame of Unity Sports Club at Per Seraulim ground, as they knocked out star-studded Fatorda Veterans 6-4 in a nerve-wracking tie-breaker after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Fatorda, considered favourites, started brightly with Anthony Pereira and Uday combining well. But against the run of play, Mario weaved through two defenders to slot home a superb opener for Cavelossim.
Stunned by the setback, Fatorda pressed relentlessly in the second half but were denied by Raju’s rock-solid defending and Anil’s brilliance between the posts. The breakthrough finally came in the dying minutes when Anthony’s shot took a deflection and rolled into the net.
With everything on the line in the tie-breaker, Cavelossim held their nerves as Raju, Wilson, Thomas, Mario and Francisco netted with precision to edge past Fatorda’s trio of scorers, Anthony, Presley and Rosario and booking their berth in the grand finale.
