PANJIM: Ponda Veterans ousted Cana Benaulim SA 14-13 via the sudden-death to enter the finals of 13th VM Salgaocar memorial football at St John the Baptist ground, Dando, Benaulim.
In a match devoid of any attacking soccer, Cana Benaulim enjoyed more ball possession but their strikers lacked sharpness upfront.
After a barren first session, Cana Benaulim took the lead through substitute Matthew D’Costa, whose venomous edge of the box shot stunned the rival custodian.
Then onwards, Cana Benaulim played defensive and tried to protect their slender lead but their rivals had other plans as Ponda Veterans came with last minute equalizer when defender Ramesh Palkar headed in past goalkeeper Costao D’Silva off a flag-kick from Martin Pereira.
In the marathon sudden-death, Ponda Veterans had the last laugh as they scored in the 16th penalty kick.
