RAIA: United Boys Dando, Colva, struck at the death to down Carmona SC 1-0 and enter into the quarter-finals of VM Salgaocar Memorial invitational inter-village football tournament organised by Prime SC in association with Margao SC, at St John Baptist grounds, Dando-Benaulim.
In a gentle paced match, the Colva team enjoyed a slight advantage over their youthful opponents. Carmona goalkeeper Aaren Fernandes had to make an early save to stop a powerful right-footer of Colva striker Samson Gomes in the 10the minute. Colva again came close but striker Baptist headed wide. Carmona managed to keep the score blank largely to some stout defending by veteran stopper Yuri Ferrao and Edvil Afonso.
Colva continued to build pressure on their rivals but did not get the goal. Carmona also made some sporadic moves through medio Neil D’Cruz but Colva defenders Kabir Khan and Beevan Goes did not allow the rival strikers any chances. As the match was heading towards the penalty shoot-out, Carmona midfielder Neil conceded a free-kick which was nicely floated inside the box by Joseph Periera for striker Baptist Fernandes to control well and strike a right footer past rival goalkeeper Aaren Fernandes into the nylons with just two minutes remaining for the final whistle.
