Team Herald
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MAPUSA: Raia Sporting Club registered a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Candolim SC, to enter the semi-finals of Calangute Panchayat Cup 2025, held in memory of Late Rev Fr Conceicao D’Silva and organised by St Savio Sports Club, Calangute. The entertaining encounter was played at Poriat ground on Monday.
Both sides displayed attacking intent, thrilling spectators with five goals over the course of the match.
Raia Sporting opened the scoring in the 15th minute through Leran Dais. However, their lead was short-lived, as Nikhil Naik equalised for Candolim SC just five minutes later.
Candolim SC then went ahead in the 38th minute thanks to a well-timed header from Sanket Jotkar. Raia Sporting drew level again in the 50th minute, when Velito Cruz converted from the penalty spot to make it 2-2.
The decisive goal came in the 57th minute, once again from Velito Cruz, whose second strike of the match sealed the win for Raia Sporting.
Raia Sporting will now face Saligao Sporting in the second semi-final on May 29.
Velroy Borges of Raia Sporting was awarded man-of-the-match trophy.
