Team Herald
BENAULIM: Marc Caterers Nuvem registered a solitary goal victory over Monte Benaulim Veterans to enter the semi-finals of the 17th V M Salgaocar Memorial Veterans Soccer tournament, organised by Prime Sports Club and played at St John the Baptist ground, Danddo, Benaulim here on Sunday.
Nuvem settled early into a smooth rythm with medios Bobby Crasto and Anthony Afonso controlling the midfield. Their sustained pressure rattled the Benaulim defence and their citadel fell in the 12th minute when stopper back Laxmikant Kurade and goalkeeper Costao Silva got themselves entangled for possesion of the ball which fell to Santan Furtado who immediately slotted the ball into an unguarded goal to give Marc Caterers Nuvem the deserving lead.
Benaulim could have fell into further trouble but goalkeeper Costao Silva dived full length to push out a stinging effort of Bobby Crasto.
After the change of ends, Benaulim showed urgency but the continuous rains made the playing surface heavy. Benaulim got a decent chance to get the equaliser but Robin Pinheiro shot went wide.
Nuvem defender Baptist D’mello, Rafik Bepari and Nana Borkar stood well to protect the slender lead and take their team to the semis.
