RAIA: Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda defeated St Anthony FC, Assolda, 3-2, via a the tie-breaker to advance to the semi-finals of the 51st Custodio Memorial Football Tournament, organised by Raia Sporting Club and played at Raia panchayat ground, on Sunday.
Despite heavy rains, the enthusiasm of 1000 spectators remained high as they watched the two title contenders battle it out. Fatorda's midfielder Velton D’Souza had two powerful shots saved by Assolda's goalkeeper Allwyn Faria in the 8th and 10th minutes. Assolda's Alton Vaz narrowly missed a header shortly after. Clencio Pinto's pass to Michael Dias for Fatorda was also thwarted by Faria, as was Myron Fernandes' attempt. Fayde Pereira of Fatorda then saw his shot, set up by D’Souza, sail over the crossbar in the 40th minute.
In the 48th minute, Alfred Noronha of Fatorda made a crucial diving header to clear the ball, preventing Cajetan of Assolda from scoring. Both halves ended in a goalless draw, leading to a tie-breaker.
In the resultant tie-breaker, Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda scored through Roque Borges, Clencio Pinto, and Charles Miranda. St Anthony SC's Richard Fernandes and Joaquim Carvalho found the net for their side.
Clencio Pinto of Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda was presented the man-of-the-match award by Jacinta Dias, panch of village panchayat, Raia.