MARGAO: Candolim Sports Club edged past St. Jose de Areal 4-2 on penalties to reach the quarterfinals of the 51st Custodio Memorial Football Tournament held at Raia Panchayat Ground on Wednesday.
The fast-paced match saw both teams squander chances in the first half, with Candolim's Bhavesh Candolkar missing three golden opportunities and Areal's Leo Gomendes and Cavin Soares failing to capitalize on theirs.
The second half mirrored the first, with neither side able to find the net despite numerous attempts. Candolim's forwards continued to misfire, while Areal's Rayman Fernandes and Clifford Costa also missed clear chances. The dying minutes saw both teams come close, but Sailesh's one-on-one for Candolim was saved by the Areal goalkeeper, and Melvin Lobo's shot for Areal sailed over the bar.
With the game ending in a 0-0 draw, a penalty shootout decided the winner. Candolim emerged victorious with Nikhil Naik, Aman Govekar, Ashley Fernandes, and Rajat Chopdekar converting their spot kicks. Areal's Bresal Viegas and Tyson Carvalho were their only successful scorers.
Candolim's goalkeeper, Krupesh Bandodkar, was awarded the Man of the Match for his outstanding performance throughout the game.
