Team Herald
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RAIA: Sao Jose de Areal SC weathered St Anthony SC, Marna-Siolim, storm to score a 2-1 win in the quarter-final to move into the semi-finals of 46th Cana Benaulim Soccer Championship played at the St John de Baptist ground, Dando-Benaulim, on Friday.
Sao Jose de Areal SC set the tone early, nearly scoring in the 5th minute but a superb save by the alert St Anthony SC goalkeeper foiled the attempt. Dominating possession, Sao Jose de Areal SC’s slick midfield-forward interplay St Anthony SC on the back foot through the first half.
The second half exploded into life as David Colaco opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a clinical strike and Ashnoy Gomes added another just four minutes later, giving Sao Jose de Areal SC a deserved 2-0 cushion.
But Sao Jose de Areal SC weren’t done. Sherwin Lobo’s 46th-minute goal sparked hope, and the final minutes were electric as St Anthony SC threw everything forward.
However, Bersal and Aryan were rock-solid in the defence, and goalkeeper Aggie Antao was in heroic form, pulling off brilliant saves.
Earlier, United Club of Verna stunned hosts Sporting Club Cana Benaulim 7-6 in a nail-biting tie-breaker after a dramatic 2-2 draw at full time to move into quarter-finals.
SC Benaulim, fielding a young and fiery squad, were off the blocks early, with Joswan testing United Club of Verna’s goalkeeper Camilo in the 2nd minute.
UC Verna struck first in the 19th through Royden Rego’s dazzling solo effort, but SC Benaulim struck back in style as Joswan slotted home after a brilliant pass from Vishal Fernandes.
Royden netted again in the 45th to restore United Club of Verna’s lead, but SC Benaulim came storming back.
Relentless pressure from Vishal, Arif and Samuel paid off when Vishal was brought down by UC Verna goalkeeper in the dying minutes and Trevlon calmly converted from the spot to make it 2-2.
In the resulting shoot-out, United Club of Verna held their nerve to clinch a heart-pounding 7-6 win.