Team Herald
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RAIA: Rossman Cruz Nagoa Sports Club marched into the semi-finals of the 50th Chandor Seamen Football Tournament with a 2-1 win over Sao Jose de Areal, at Chandor ground, on Sunday.
Areal squandered early chances, including a clear one-on-one in the 5th minute, before Nagoa struck in the 21st. Johan Abranches latched onto a through ball and drilled past the goalkeeper to give his side the lead, which they carried into the break.
Areal equalised in the 54th minute through Navil Fernandes, sparking a tense, physical phase that saw Nagoa’s Desmond Gamma and Areal’s Darryl Costa booked, before Dezi Oliveira was sent off for violent conduct. Reduced to ten men, Areal faltered under pressure. Aglon’s pass deflected off an Areal defender into his own net, restoring Nagoa’s advantage.
The 2-1 scoreline stood till the final whistle, sealing Nagoa’s semi-final berth. Abranches was man-of-the-match and received his award from former Chandor Club player Leandro Mascarenhas.