Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
RAIA: Chandor Club clinched a spot in the semi-finals of the 49th Chandor Seamen football tournament after a dramatic 5-4 victory in a penalty shootout against Guardian Angel SC at the Chandor grounds.
The match was a nail-biter, with both teams fighting fiercely to keep their tournament hopes alive, much to the thrill of the spectators. In the 16th minute, Chandor’s Moises narrowly missed a goal with a powerful shot that skimmed past the target.
The first half ended goalless, but the intensity continued after the break. Guardian Angel’s Jaison came close to scoring with a powerful shot, but it went wide. The deadlock was broken in the 46th minute when Godwin from Guardian Angel sent a well-placed ball to Cyril Dias, who found the back of the net, catching the Chandor goalkeeper off guard.
Chandor Club quickly responded, with Vitorino equalising in the 50th minute after a scramble in the rival's penalty area. Both teams searched desperately for a winner, but it remained elusive. In the 70th minute, a powerful free kick by Moises D’Sa was saved by the Guardian Angel keeper, but Chandor missed the chance to capitalise on the rebound, leaving the score tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time.
The match was ultimately decided in a tense penalty shootout, where Chandor Club’s Mario Fernandes, Valentino Carvalho, Akram Yadwad, and Moises D'Sa successfully converted their shots. For Guardian Angel SC, Fedrick Fernandes, Cyril Dias, and Rosal Fernandes found the net.
Alwyn Faria of Chandor Club was adjudged man-of-the-match presented by former Sarpanch, Celine Coelho Furtado.