Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
MAPUSA: Hosts St Anthony’s SC, Marna, managed to edge past Saligao United SC in a thrilling 3-2 win to enter the semi-finals of St Anthony’s Cup in the quarter-final played at Siolim ground, on Tuesday.
The match kept spectators on the edge of their seats as both teams displayed exceptional skill and determination, till the very end.
Saligao United struck first, with Narayan finding the back of the net to give his team an early lead.
Saligao United’s goalkeeper showed brilliant reflexes, saving a powerful header from Pushparaj Mandrekar to keep his team ahead.
However, the game turned when Nathan D’Souza of St Anthony’s SC was brought down in the 18-yard box, earning them a penalty. Pushparaj made no mistake, as he calmly converted the penalty to equalise, 1-1.
The second half saw St Anthony’s SC take the lead through Brandon Pereira’s clinical finish.
Momentum stayed with St Anthony’s SC as Pushparaj struck again, netting his second goal and pushing the scoreline to 3-1.
Saligao United fought back valiantly, earning a penalty that Narayan converted to make it 2-3.
Despite their best efforts, Saligao United could not find an equaliser.
Brandon Pereira’s exceptional performance earned him the man-of-the-match award, presented by Viraj Chodankar.