RAIA: In an electrifying contest at Musson ground, Majorda, Raia Sports Club displayed unwavering determination as they clinched a hard-fought victory over SCC Loutolim, securing a coveted spot in the semi-finals of the 22nd Fr Basilio Andrade memorial 9-a-side football tournament organised by Associacao Academica de Majorda-Utorda-Calata. The regulation time ended with both teams sharing four goals and Raia SC prevailing via the tie-breaker 5-3.
The game kicked off with a splendid display of Raia’s exceptional passing ability, enabling them to seize the advantage just five minutes into the match. Rivo Borges, the talisman for Raia SC, showcased his brilliance as he found the back of the net, giving his team the early lead.
SCC Loutolim, however, responded swiftly to the setback. Ignatius D’Silva, in an exhibition of impeccable skill and precision, equalised just moments later after receiving a pinpoint through ball.
As the clock ticked on, fate favoured SCC Loutolim in the 35th minute. Joseph Baptista capitalised on a rebound opportunity, delivering a crucial tap-in to give Loutolim the lead, with the score standing at 2-1.
Yet, the see-saw battle continued with both teams unwilling to yield. Rivo Borges played a pivotal role once again, this time providing the decisive pass to Garrison Fernandes, who found himself in a one-on-one situation with the opposition’s goalkeeper. Displaying incredible composure, Fernandes coolly slotted the ball past the keeper, levelling the score once more.
Shelford ran down the left flank past two Raia SC defenders and fed Darren Gomes with a precise pass but Darren’s attempt was tipped over the bar by Raia’s keeper Jake Medeira.
The penalty shootout brought its own share of drama, with Raia SC taking the initiative. They exhibited clinical precision from the spot, converting all their penalties with remarkable composure. In contrast, SCC Loutolim’s Darren Gomes faltered in his attempt.
Earlier, In a riveting clash at the Musson ground, Majorda, St Anthony SC, Assolda, secured their place in the semi-finals of the 22nd Fr Basilio Andrade memorial 9-a-side football tournament organised by Associacao Academica de Majorda, Utorda-Calata.
They achieved this hard-fought victory by defeating Sporting Club of Davorlim, in a match filled with intense action and drama.
The match began with SC Davorlim drawing first blood. A well-placed through ball found Royson Colaco, who displayed finesse and curled the ball past the keeper with ease, providing an early lead for SC Davorlim.
Colaco was in fine form, and he continued to impress by scoring again in the 12th minute, showcasing his skill as he slotted the ball past the oncoming keeper.
However, St Anthony SC, Assolda, responded swiftly. In the 13th minute, Alrach Peixeto exhibited excellent control and smashed the ball into the net from a well-delivered cross, rekindling hope for St Anthony SC.
At halftime, SC Davorlim held the advantage, but the second half of the match took a dramatic turn as tensions flared. Two red cards were shown to players from both teams when Royson Colaco pushed Sidon Petoxo, resulting in a heated altercation. The referee intervened by issuing red cards to both players. Later, Feyden of St Anthony SC was cautioned for tugging player’s jersey.
As the game neared its conclusion, Victorino Fernandes became the hero for St Anthony SC as he headed the ball into the far corner of the goal, levelling the score and sending the match into a penalty shootout.
St Anthony SC proved to be the better shooters as they converted all their spot kicks through Victorino, Rizbon Fernandes, Viton Fernandes, Valentino Carvalho and Joaquim Carvalho. Goalkeeper Alwyn Faria saved Milton Colaco’s spot-kick while Velroy Colaco, Prince Figueredo and Aeren Figueredo converted.
