Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
RAIA: Guardian Angel Sports Club edged past United Club of Nerul 5-4 via tie-breaker to move into the final of Benaulim Panchayat Cup at St John the Baptist ground, Benaulim, on Friday.
Certainly, the most exciting match of the tournament so far, the game was packed with intensity, determination and fierce commitment from both sides. The first half saw end-to-end action but no goals, as defences stood strong under pressure.
UC Nerul broke the deadlock early in the second half when Aniket Naik calmly slotted home a penalty after a handball in the box. That only ignited Guardian Angel SC’s fighting spirit, and they roared back with a 45th-minute equaliser through Cyril Dias.
With the score tied 1-1 at full time, the match went to penalties where Guardian Angel SC’s composure shone through as Cyril Dias saved two penalties. They now face Sporting Club of Davorlim in Sunday’s high-voltage final.