Team Herald
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RAIA: Striker Keegan Fernandes netted a fine brace as Abhuja YC pipped a fighting Manddar Khuris Pedda 2-1 to enter the final of St John de Baptist Trophy Football Tournament organised by Football Friends Benaulim at St John de Baptist ground, Dando-Benaulim, on Tuesday.
The match began on fast pace with Abhuja YC on the front foot. Keegan was a constant threat to the rival defence and he put his team ahead with a fine strike from inside the box in the 12th minute.
Manddar Khuris Pedda fought back and restored parity five minutes later when striker Mecu Cardozo received a pass from Sidroy Baptista to beat Herbert Rodrigues in the rival goal.
After the lemon break, Keegan Fernandes was in the right place to nod in a flag kick by medio Vishal Fernandes in the 42nd minute. Manddar Khuris Pedda tried everything to get back in the game but Ashton Rodrigues was rock solid in the Abhuja YC defence to protect the slender lead and take his team in the final.