Team Herald
[email protected]
RAIA: Curtorim Gymkhana outplayed Carmona Sports Club 2-0 in the quarter-final to march into the semi-finals of 24th Fr Basilio Andrade memorial football tournament organised by A A de Majorda Utorda Calata at Musson ground, Majorda, on Tuesday.
Curtorim Gymkhana began the encounter on the front foot, setting the tempo early. Frazer Fernandes was the first to threaten, moveing past two defenders before unleashing a fierce effort towards goal but Canute De Mello stood firm, denying him with a confident stop.
Minutes later, Alison Carvalho stepped up to take a free-kick from 25 yards but Canute made a superb fingertip save to keep the scores level. At half time, teams settled for a 1-1 draw.
The second half began much like the first, with Curtorim Gymkhana pushing hard for a breakthrough. A dangerous free-kick offered another opportunity but Elton Mascharenas couldn’t keep his effort beneath the crossbar.
At last, Curtorim Gymkhana’s persistence paid off. Veron Fernandes, who had been growing steadily into the game, finally made the difference by guiding his effort into the top of the net and beating Canute to make it 1-0.
Moments later, Elton found himself inside the 18-yard box and fired low at goal. Canute once again produced a fine save, but fate was unkind as the rebound fell to Veron, who coolly slotted home his second to put the result beyond doubt just before the final whistle.
Earlier, CAC Sports and Cultural Club, Cansaulim, edged past Raia Sporting Club 5-4 vie tie-breaker to book a quarter-final spot after a hard-fought stalemate in the regulation time.
The match began with both sides showing early attacking intent. Raia SC’s Garrison Fernandes looked lively from the outset, shimmying past a defender before unleashing a left-footed drive at the near post, though it failed to truly trouble the CAC Cansaulim goalkeeper.
At the other end, CAC Cansaulim earned a free-kick near the corner and Arron Fernandes drilled in a low delivery that found Prasad Bagli, whose unmarked header narrowly cleared the crossbar – a warning sign for Raia SC.
The second half saw few clear chances, with both defences standing firm. Sanjiro Pango nearly broke the deadlock when he slipped Myron Souza through on goal, but Cidroy De Souza recovered brilliantly to make a last-ditch tackle. Minutes later, Achilles Fernandes played Garrison in again, but after rounding the keeper, his shot from a tight angle rolled agonisingly wide.
With neither side able to find the breakthrough, the match was decided by penalties. Under immense pressure, CAC Cansaulim held their composure to triumph in the shoot-out, sealing their passage into the next round.
