Siolim Veterans in last eight

Team Herald

sports@herald-goa.com

RAIA: Siolim Veterans marched into the quarter-finals of 23rd All-Goa veterans football tournament organised by Flame of Unity Sports Club, with a slender yet decisive 1-0 victory over a fighting Taleigao Veterans side at the Mabai ground, Per-Seraulim, on Thursday.

The match began on a cautious note, both teams preferring to measure each other’s strengths rather than take risks, resulting in a goalless first half. After the restart, Taleigao shifted gears and showed real intent, keeping the Siolim defenders on their toes.

They came agonisingly close on more than one occasion, rattling the woodwork, fumbling inside the box and missing opportunities that could have swung the game in their favour.

With the crowd sensing a penalty shootout, the turning point arrived late in the contest. Siolim’s Markus Carvalho pounced on a defensive lapse and slotted home the all-important strike. His opportunistic finish sealed the win, sending Siolim into jubilation while Taleigao bowed out ruefully, undone by missed chances and cruel luck.