RAIA: Ambelim SC defeated Sao Jose de Areal SC, 5-3, in a tie-breaker, to reach the final of the 2nd Fr Bruno Leitao Memorial Cup 2024, organised by the Union of Chinchinim Villagers and played at Chinchinim Church ground, on Monday.
From the start, Ambelim SC launched an offensive with Semson Fernandes’ close-range shot being saved by Areal's goalkeeper. Ambelim focused on positional play, with Michal Silva delivering precise passes to the wings. In the 14th minute, Bersal Viegas of Areal dribbled past Ambelim defenders, but goalkeeper Benny Silva made a spectacular save. Shortly after, Blasco Fernandes of Ambelim hit the crossbar with a powerful shot. The first half ended in a goalless draw.
In the second half, both teams sought a winning goal. In the 52nd minute, an Areal defender made a goal-line save from a header by Ambelim's Velroy Fernandes. The match ended 0-0, leading to a tie-breaker.
In the ensuring tie-breaker, Micheal Silva, Velroy Fernands, Leister Fernandes, Semson Fernandes and Blasco Fernandes scored for Ambelim SC while Bersal Viegas, Tyson Carvalho and Ashnoy Gomes converted for Sao Jose de Areal.
Velroy Fernandes of Ambelim SC was awarded the player of the match given by Vibav Alave, Chinchinim-Deussua village panchayat secretary.