Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
RAIA: In one of the most dramatic match of the 26th Our Lady of Merces 8-a-side football tournament, Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club stunned a dominant Cuncolim Union side 8-7 via tie-breaker to move into the next round in a nail-biting tie-breaker at the Chinchinim Church ground, on Monday.
Cuncolim Union looked firmly in control when Daulat Dessai nodded home a well-placed header in the 20th minute, giving his team a 1-0 lead and to dictate the tempo of the match.
Cuncolim Union could have doubled their lead in the second half, but Wilson Fernandes failed to convert an open chance, missing a sitter from a close range. On the other end, David Colaco’s tame attempt went straight into the goalkeeper’s gloves, while Bersal Viegas came close for Sao Jose de Areal SC with a shot that flew just over the crossbar.
The equaliser finally came in the 59th minute, when Desi Olivera slotted home for Sao Jose de Areal, tying both teams 1-1 at the end of regulation time, pushing the match into a tense tie-breaker.
In the penalties, Sao Jose de Areal showed nerves of steel, converting all their attempts through Bersal Viegas, Mohammed Mansuri, Neville Fernandes, Ashwin Travasso, Desi Olivera, Myron Silva and Platini Andrade, while Cuncolim Union were on target through Matthew Fernandes, Jollyton Fernandes, Viraj Velip, Wilson Fernandes, Ansh Patel and Shankar Gaunder, but fell just short in the final count.