MARGAO: Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club prevailed over hosts Cuncolim Union via tie-breaker 3-1 to storm into the final of South Goa McDowell’s No. 1 Yaari Premier Cup inter-village football tournament organized by Cuncolim Union, at government school playground, Cuncolim, on Thursday.
The match was locked in a goalless draw at the end of normal time.
Both the teams dished out scintillating display and had equal number of scoring chances. As the match progressed, and backed by home vociferous crowd, Cuncolim Union took control over the match but Sao Jose de Areal goalkeeper Godfrey Costa was the stumbling block for Cuncolim Union as he brought up superlative saves to keep his slate clean. Cuncolim Union got the first chance in the 10th minute when Cliffton Fernandes unleashed a cracker however Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club goalkeeper Godfrey Costa rose to the occasion to thwart him from scoring the goal as he showed fine anticipation and reflexes.
At the other end, Sao Jose de Areal SC didn’t lag behind as they piled tremendous pressure on the rival citadel and nearly found the success but striker Alvito Moura fumbled at crucial moments.
Cuncolim Union had a golden chance to surge ahead but Frazier Fernandes shot wide much to the disbelief of Cuncolim Union supporters.
Post resumption, Cuncolim Union went all out in search of match winner but Sao Jose de Areal SC keeper Godfrey Costa came to his side rescue by fisting away Krishna Shirodkar rasping shot.
Soon, Sao Jose de Areal SC hit the gas and nearly found the elusive match winner but Allistern Camotim misfired from hand shaking distance.
As the clock ticked off at final stages, Frazier Fernandes unleashed a volley which was well taken care by Sao Jose de Areal SC keeper.
In the ensuing tiebreaker, Chesten Gomes, Allistern Camotim and Silvester Carvalho were on target for Sao Jose de Areal SC while only Rosario Carvalho was the only strike who converted from the mark for Cuncolim Union.
Silveter Carvalho of Sao Jose de Areal was adjudged the man-of-the-match.
Earlier, FC Goa striker Romeo Fernandes was the chief guest and was introduced to teams.
