Navelim outclass Candolim, move into semis
custodio memorial soccer
HERALD SPORTS DESK
PANJIM, JULY 18
Navelim Sporting prevailed over Candolim Sports Club 3-1 to enter the semi-finals of 39th Custodio Memorial Football Tournament at Raia ground on Sunday.
Candolim had anxious moments right from the kick-off with Navelim Sporting making frequent raids.
Candolim goalkeeper Bharat Morje rushed out of his charge to contain a Navelim striker when the entire defense was beaten. However, a long range scorcher by Sydney Colaco in the 6th minute entered the net courtesy Candolim defender Stanlely Silva, who in his attempt to kick the ball out, saw it deflecting into his own goal.
Navelim boys were a better organised lot and kept the ball moving from wing to wing rattling the Candolim defence time and again. Poor finishing by Navelim and good defence by Candolim kept the score just at 1-0.
Navelim earned a penalty when Franky was brought down in the area. The referee pointed to the dreaded spot. Morje kept his cool and did not even attempt to move, when the kick was taken. It went straight into the gloves of the keeper.
In the second half Candolim organised their defence and the halves moved close to the forwards. They were desperate for an equaliser. They cleverly laid the off-side trap to keep the fast roving forwards of Navelim in check.
Navelim fell back and pulled the defence of Candolim into their own half and then made some sneaky runs down the flank. In one such move, Jaison Pereira floated to Sanford who anticipated well to slot the ball into the goal to take Navelim up 2-0 in the 44th minute.
Candolim reduced the margin in the 48th minute.
Navelim came back strongly to increase the lead to 3-1 through Vikas.
