MERCES, JAN 21
Maina SC, Curtorim earned the right to face Saligao United in the finals of All-Goa Romeo memorial football tournament as they scored a hard fought 2-0 win over Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda, at Santa Cruz ground, on Friday.
The first half saw equal exchanges between the two sides. However, DBO were the most adventurous of the two as they made deep forays into the rival territory.
Wilson Dias was a livewire for DBO on the right flank as he regularly sent dangerous floaters in the Maina’s penalty area. Off one such cross, Vicente Barbosa failed to find the target as he headed over the bar.
Roger Azavedo had a chance to give DBO the lead just before the lemon break. However, his header off a corner kick was smartly saved by Maina’s custodian Brown Sequeira.
Crossing over, Maina gave some anxious moments to DBO and Nelson Castanha should have scored when he was fed by Agnelo D’Costa, but he failed to react quickly and allowed DBO’s defence to clear the ball to safety.
Maina finally tasted success with Agnelo D’Costa finding the target. After struggling to get past a strong DBO defence, Agnelo sent a left footed volley into the right corner of the goal, which the DBO goalie could only watch in awe.
Immediately, Wilson had a golden chance to equalise for DBO. However, he shot wide from close distance.
In the dying minutes, Maina’s Vicky Cardozo could have nearly put the final nail in DBO’s coffin, but his shot hit the post and rebound into play.
Later, Joaquim Carvalho took the match away from DBO as he caught DBO’s goalie off guard and placed the ball into the open nets to make it 2-0.
Referee Inacio Rodrigues cautioned DBO’s Roger Azavedo and Maina’s Vicky Cardozo.
Maina SC will now meet Saligao United in the finals on January 23.
