RAIA: Goa Velha SC defeated United Club Benaulim 5-3 via tie-breaker to move into the semi-finals of Cana-Benaulim Panchayat Cup inter-village football tournament played at St John de Baptista football ground, Dando-Benaulim, on Tuesday.
UC Benaulim made an aggressive start and Goa Velha SC goalkeeper Pratik Kankonar rescued his team with brilliant save from UC Benaulim striker Joseburn Cardozo in giving his team an early lead in the 6th minute.
The host persistent efforts were rewarded in the 13th minute when Nicholas Rodrigues floated a ball which was misjudged by Pratik allowing UC Benaulim striker Keegan Fernandes to dart in and headed the ball into the net.
After the resumption of play, Goa Velha SC were a transformed side and got the equaliser in the 38th minute when playmaker Akash Sanadi sent a low cross to Alme Fernandes to nod in past UC Benaulim keeper Tino Fernandes.
Stunned by the shocking goal, UC Benaulim tried hard but Enosh Goes and Cedran Rodrigues were ineffective. Goa Velha SC almost snatched the match winner in the dying minutes but Tino pushed out a pile drive from rival medio Francis Afonso.
In the ensuing tie-breaker, Sainath Kankonkar, Akash Sanadi, Rishabh Madkaikar and Francis Afonso were successful for Goa Velha SC, while Nicholas Rodrigues and Alejo Fernandes found the mark for UC Beaulim. Former sarpanch Remy Fernandes handed the man-of-the-match to Tino Fernandes of UC Benaulim.
