Team Herald
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RAIA: St Sebastian Youth Club, Murida, earned a hard-fought 2-1 win over Fr Agnelo YSC, Paroda, advancing into the quarter-finals of 23rd Fr Basilio Andrade memorial football tournament played at Musson ground, Majorda, on Friday. Elroy Barreto was the hero for St Sebastian Youth Club scoring both goals, while Clifton Fernandes reduced the margin for Fr Agnelo YSC.
St Sebastian Youth Club wasted no time in opening their account. Elroy’s left-footed shot from inside the box took a fortunate deflection off Salvin Fernandes to send Fr Agnelo YSC goalkeeper Mackroy gazing.
Determined to make amends, Salvin attempted a long-ranger but St Sebastian Youth Club’s goalkeeper Glen handled it comfortably. Fr Agnelo YSC’s Clifton Fernandes then set up Nikhil on the left, but his effort from outside the box flew off target. Later, Nikhil had another chance with a header from a tight angle, only to be denied by the goalpost.
Savio Vales of Fr Agnelo YSC made a determined run, dribbling past a couple of St Sebastian Youth Club defenders, but his shot was saved by keeper Glen.
When Savio tried to head the rebound, he was fouled by a St Sebastian YC defender, resulting in an indirect free-kick inside the box. Clifton Fernandes made no mistake from the set-piece, slotting home to level the score, 1-1.
With momentum shifting, Savio had a golden opportunity to give Fr Agnelo YSC the lead, but Glen was alert and pulled off another good save. At the other end, Edison Dias passed to Charles Miranda inside the Fr Agnelo YSC penalty area, but Charles shot over the crossbar. However, St Sebastian YC reclaimed their lead through Elroy, who capitalised on a misplaced pass, received the ball on the left, and shot past a diving Mackroy to make it 2-1.