Team Herald
BENAULIM: Curtorim Gymkhana downed Young Strikers Benaulim in the tie-breaker to enter the final of the 33rd Strikers Trophy football tournament organised by Young Strikers Benaulim, at St John Baptist ground Dando-Benaulim, on Wednesday.
Curtorim deservingly went ahead in the 14th minute through a classic goal. Winger Myson Fernandes took a pass from Nelson Fernandes just outside the area but as he was allowed freedom he took a fierce right footer which crashed into the nylons keeping the alert Benaulim goalkeeper Swisfon Dsilva rooted to the ground.
After the resumption, Benaulim urged on by the local crowd made several forays into the rival camp rear guard. Benaulim’s persistent efforts were finally rewarded in the 58th minute when substitute left back Rizwon Ratos received a pass from Mevrick Correia who moved past Curtorim defender Caetano Viegas and unleashed a ferocious left footer which went past Curtorim goalkeeper Johnson Bhagat into the net.
Stung by the reverse, Curtorim tried hard to regain the advantage but the Benaulim defence consisting of Caven Ratos, Rody Fernandes and Josburn Fernandes stood firm.
In the ensuing penalty shootout Curtorim Gymk proved to be the beter shooters.
Curtorim Gymkhana will now clash with Parish Youth Nuvem in the final on September 2.
