Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
RAIA: Raitura SC got the better of Ponda Footballers 5-2 via the tie-breaker to move into the quarter-finals of the Rachol Overseas Cup, organised by Raitura Sports Club, at the Raia Panchayat ground, on Friday.
Raitura SC and Ponda Footballers played an attacking game in the first half.
Both teams U-20 strikers –Melvin Gauncar for Raitura SC and Devendra Gaude for Ponda Footballers –played an impressive game for their respective teams.
In the second minute, Devendra Gaurda, on receiving an accurate through pass from Clatus Godinho, dribbled past Raitura defender Daniel Gomes with ease but his goal bound shot was saved by rival custodian Guilerme Gomes.
Raitura almost took the lead in the 4th minute when Melvin Gauncar shot beat the rival keeper but only to be denied by the goal post.
In the next minute, Ponda Footballers took the lead through Devendra, whose left foot drive gave no chance for the rival keeper off Manuresh Mardolkar assist.
Ponda keeper Shubham Naik came to his team’s rescue in the 15th minute when he brilliantly saved Jaison Barbosa’s long rage shot.
After much pressing, Raitura finally levelled terms in the 20th minute when Jaison and Johnny D’Cruz combined well to surpass the rival defence before the former rounded the keeper to make it 1-1.
Minutes later, Raitura had the chance to take the lead but Jaison missed three sitters in the 22nd, 24th and 25th minutes.
At the other end, Ponda came close to take the lead against the run of play but Clatus Godinho failed to direct Brian Gomes’ pass in the target.
In the resultant tie-breaker, Joe Pango, Roman Gomes, Daniel Gomes and Dawn Fernandes netted for Raitura SC while Brian Gomes and Cletus Godinho netted for Ponda Footballers.
Raitura SC will meet the winners of Clube Sao Minguel De Taleigao and Cuncolim Union in the quarter-final on January 21.
