RAIA: Navelim Sporting Club advanced to the final of the 2nd Fr Bruno Leitao Memorial Cup 2024 after defeating Dicarpale SC, 5-2, in a penalty shootout, organised by the Union of Chinchinim Villagers and played at the Chinchinim Church ground on Tuesday.
Navelim Sporting had an early chance to take the lead in the 2nd minute, but Velington Almeida missed with only the goalkeeper to beat. Dicarpale’s Ajay Raj responded by dribbling past the Navelim defense, only to be denied by a one-on-one save from Navelim goalkeeper Jeet Gupta. In the 9th minute, Prince Figuerado’s shot went straight into the hands of the Navelim goalkeeper. Dicarpale’s goalkeeper made a double save in the 14th minute, stopping Roven Pereira’s attempt to score.
Dicarpale took the lead in the 15th minute with a goal from Sahil Imandar. Navelim Sporting equalised just before halftime through a goal by Roven Pereira.
The second half saw both teams striving for a winner, but the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
In the ensuing penalty shootout, Roven Pereira, Nash Pereira, Valinton D’Silva, and Venito Costa scored for Navelim, while William Niasso was the lone scorer for Dicarpale SC.
Jeet Gupta of Navelim Sporting was named player of the match, with the award presented by Julio Fernandes, the Velim constituency Zilla Parishad member.
