BENAULIM: Maina Sports Club, Curtorim edged past St Anthony’s Sports Club, Assolda 5-2 via the tie-breaker to enter the final of the 12th Bebe Costa Memorial inter-village football tournament, organized by United Club of Benaulim, at St John the Baptist ground, Dando-Benaulim on Monday.
Curtorim were far superior in the first half and took the lead through a self goal but Assolda netted the equalizer in the second session through defender Joseph Fernandes.
Curtorim showed lot of aggression with flowing moves initiated by medio Nelson Fernandes and Jamesson Noronha.
In the 15th minute, Curtorim had the chance to take the lead but Myson Fernandes’ header went straight to the rival keeper Johnson Fernandes.
Curtorim took the much deserving lead in the 24th minute, as Assolda defender Altron Vaz headed into his own net, after being pressurised by rival striker Edwin Sequeira and Josley Gomes, in an attempt to clear a curling free kick of Nelson Fernandes.
Assolda’s Socorro Fernandes angular shot was easily collected by the keeper Johnson.
Crossing ends, Assolda were a transformed side as they attacked in numbers and as a result Curtorim conceded many free-kicks in dangerous positions.
On one such occasion, Curtorim goalkeeper Johnson almost paid for his poor judgement as he allowed a high free kick off Cristo Fernandes to bounce in front of him but the later dealt with it by pushing the ball for corner.
Without Maina’s mainstay and dependable stopper back -Savio Fernandes, who had to leave the field with an injury, the defence was vulnerable. Manuel Castana fouled opponent striker Kerry Vaz in the 57th minute just outside the box. The resultant free-kick was capitalised by Assolda side as Joseph Fernandes scored from close range after Neville Fernandes failed to clear Cristo Fernandes’ free-kick from the danger zone.
In the tie-breaker, Maina SC scored through Anthony Cardozo, Cristo Hilario, Jowan Dias, Placidino Fernandes while Joseph Fernandes converted for the losers. Joseph Fernandes was adjudged as the man-of-the-match.
