The match ended with both teams deadlocked 1-1 and the penalty shoot-out saw Vasco knock out Bardez Veterans, despite their goalkeeper Xavier Fernandes retiring injured mid-way of the penalty shoot-out.
Vasco made their intention clear, striking in the very second minute taking everybody by surprise as fans were just settling down in their seats.
Being awarded a free-kick on the right flank, Santan Furtado’s shot struck Bardez defender Misquin and unfortunately deflected into his own nets catching goalkeeper Jude off guard.
Encouraged and riding on a goal in the very early stages of the game, Vasco kept the attack mode on but Bardez led by Goa’s football household name and Arjuna Awardee Bruno Coutinho were a force along with National players like Jude and Fausto in their ranks and matched Vasco in every department.
Bardez found the equalizer a few minutes before the breather, when Lino passed the ball to unmarked Bruno who did the damage, shooting into the far corner of the net.
On returning Vasco pushed hard for the break and dominated the proceedings. They played as a cohesive unit and it was their fitness and ball possession that dominated the second half.
Bardez appeared to have ran out of steam. Vasco could have easily carried the day without the match going into the tie-breaker but a clear handball inside the Bardez penalty box was denied by referee Phillip which erupted into a major protest by the Vasco players.
The match continued after good sense prevailed and tempers cooled off.
In the tie-breaker, Bardez taking the strike first saw Fausto find the nets while Vishant Pednekar equalized for Vasco. It was Bardez’s Lino next to score but Vasco’s keeper Xavier injured himself in his effort to punch the ball out of danger. Vasco’s Naizi scored with the tie-breaker at 2-2. Remy than replaced Xavier and Bardez’s Gadd scored. Remy took the next shot and equalized.
Bardez’s Alwyn saw his saved by Remy and Vasco’s Nelson scored to earn the lead at 3-4.
Lawrence for Bardez and Xavier Colaco for Vasco found the nets in the last strike which sent Vasco into the final.
