TEAM HERALD
sports@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Cristo Rei Youth Club, Betalbatim prevailed over CRC, Chinchinim 7-6 via the tie-breaker to storm into the semi-finals of All-Goa Our Lady of Merces inter-village football tournament organized by Sirlim Sports Club at church ground, Chinchinim, Sunday. CRC were trailing 1-2 at half time.
Cristo Rei held the upper hand in the opening session and created several forays into the rival territory. Their efforts bore fruit in 8th minute when striker Macklon Fernandes unleashed a stiff shot which slipped from the hands of CRC goalkeeper David Rebello and rolled into the net.
Spurred by the early success, the Betalbatim lads mounted pressure and doubled the lead in the 15th minute when playmaker Desmond Fernandes’ volley eluded the CRC goalkeeper.
Stunned by the double blows and egged by the home crowd, CRC intensified their forays and reduced the deficit when Domingos Rebello’s shot deflected off a rival defender and caught the Betalbatim goalkeeper on the wrong foot.
Post resumption, Cristo Rei continued in the same vein and had better share of the exchanges. Denzil Rogtao inflated the tally soon after resumption.
Down 1-3, CRC regrouped quickly and took the fight to the rival camp and their efforts paid dividends when striker Ryan Fernandes fired home.
With time running out, CRC went all out and found success when Ryan Fernandes restored parity late in the second half to complete his brace.
In the penalty shoot-out, Desmond Fernandes, Quelon Pereira, Denzil Rogtao and Steve Gonsalves converted for Cristo Rei while Cletus Pereira, Jorax Fernandes and Ryan Fernandes were on target for CRC, Chinchinim.
