MARGAO: Curtorim Gymkhana edged out Navelim SC 7-6 via tiebreaker to enter the semifinals of the 51st Custodio memorial football tournament, organised by Raia Sporting Club, at Raia Panchayat ground, on Saturday.
The initial minutes of the match saw Curtorim Gymkhana creating opportunities with Afliio Fernandes and Maldino Rodrigues missing chances to score in the second and fifth minutes respectively. On the other side, Navelim SC's attempt at a goal through a long ranger by Travis Souza in the ninth minute was unsuccessful. Curtorim Gymkhana's coach Arnald Costa then introduced Joywin Carneiro, and the substitution proved to be effective. Carneiro scored a goal in the 10th minute with a well-placed shot. Navelim SC responded strongly with Ronaldo Pereira's powerful shot hitting the Curtorim Gymkhana post in the 17th minute. Carneiro almost scored another goal for Curtorim Gymkhana but failed to capitalise on the opportunity.
Navelim SC's coach Aluxio Fernandes altered the game plan from the 20th minute, assigning Nash Pereira the dual responsibility of controlling the midfield and attempting shots at the goal. This tactic worked well, as Nash Pereira scored the equaliser for Navelim SC with a volley in the 24th minute. The game continued to be action-packed with Travis Souza's powerful shot being saved by the Curtorim Gymkhana goalkeeper. Soon after, Nash Pereira put Navelim SC in the lead with a well-placed shot in the 43rd minute. Curtorim Gymkhana's Joywin Carneiro had a chance to score but his attempt was saved by the Navelim SC goalkeeper. The first half ended in a 2-2 draw after Marcus Fernandes scored a goal for Navelim SC in the 46th minute.
As the game went into a tiebreaker, Curtorim Gymkhana proved to be the better team. Dr. Errol Rodrigues presented the man of the match award to Joywin Carneiro for his outstanding performance.
