Team Herald
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RAIA: Curtorim Gymkhana secured their place in the final of the Simon Barreto Memorial inter-village football tournament, organised by Maina Sports Club, with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the hosts, at the DYSA ground, in Curtorim.
Both teams displayed an attacking brand of football, creating several scoring opportunities. Maina's Jovial Martins delivered a precise through pass to Joywin Carneiro, who skillfully beat the Curtorim defence and unleashed a powerful shot. However, Curtorim Gymkhana’s goalkeeper, Jhonson, made an acrobatic save, punching the ball away for a corner.
Curtorim capitalised on their opportunity from the resulting corner. Milagres took the kick, which was initially cleared by Maina’s goalkeeper, Prakash. However, the clearance fell to an unmarked Mario Mascarenhas, who controlled the ball and unleashed a stunning 30-yard strike. The shot beat Prakash and crashed into the net just before the half-time whistle, giving Curtorim Gymkhana the lead.
In the second half, both teams missed chances to add to the scoreline. Maina Sports Club pressed hard in search of an equaliser, but their efforts were thwarted by a resolute Curtorim defence. Despite their attacking intent, Maina were unable to find the back of the net, and the match ended 1-0 in favour of Curtorim Gymkhana.
The lone goal by Mario Mascarenhas proved to be the decisive moment of the match.
Prakash Jhosi , the goalkeeper of Maina Sports Club, was adjudged the man-of-the-match.