MARGAO: St Anthony Sports Club, Colva prevailed over host Curtorim Gymkhana 3-1 via tie-breaker to march into the semi-finals of all Goa Curtorim Gymkhana Golden Jubilee Cup inter-village football tournament organized by Curtorim Gymkhana, at church ground, Curtorim, on Sunday.
The teams displayed attacking brand of soccer and kept the crowd on their toes. However, missed chances by Curtorim Gymkhana forwards let them down.
Egged by home crowd support, Curtorim Gymkhana enjoyed the better share of exchanges and nearly found the success but striker Milgres Fernandes shot wide much to the disbelief of their supporters.
It was tale of missed chances again with Bruno Fernandes and Sertorio Monteiro shooting wide from close range.
St Anthony did not lag behind after brief lull and nearly broke the deadlock but Joseph Pereira from ideal position shot wide from a hand shaking distance.
Post resumption, the teams adopted an aggressive approach and there were flurry of attacks at either ends but luck eluded them in spite of playing vintage soccer.
At the fag end, both the teams went all out but elusive match winner eluded them.
In the penalty shoot out, Joseph Pereira, Mario Hilario and David Costa were on target for St Anthony Sports Club while only Rosario Mascarenhas was successful for Curtorim Gymkhana.
St Anthony goalkeeper Esttree D’Silva was the hero of the day as he effected three penalty saves. St Anthony Sports Club will now meet the winners of ICSC Paroda and St Anthony Sports Club, Assolda in the final on September 28.
