MONDAY, JULY 08, 2024
Team Herald
RAIA: St Jose de Areal secured their spot in the finals with a narrow 1-0 victory over Fr Agnel Paroda in a thrilling semi-final, at the 33rd Super Soccer Tournament in memory of Late Joao Francis Fernandes, organised by United Boys of Dando, Colva.
The decisive moment came early as Alister Monteiro netted a crucial goal in the eighth minute, putting Paroda on the defensive. Despite Areal's relentless efforts to extend their lead, the first half concluded with a 1-0 scoreline.
Paroda's downfall was their lackluster midfield, plagued by errant passes and missed connections. As the clock ticked down, Paroda ramped up the pressure, launching a barrage of attacks in the final ten minutes. However, Areal's goalkeeper, Austin Costa, delivered a stellar performance, making a series of spectacular saves to preserve their lead.
Austin Costa's heroics earned him the man-of-the-match title, awarded by Doma Fernandes, president of UC Benaulim.
