MARGAO: Raia Sporting Club triumphed 5-3 via tie-breaker over Canacona Sports and Cultural Club to secure a spot in the semifinals of the 7th Martin's Cup Football Tournament, organized by Betalbatim Sporting Club. The match, held at Panchayat Ground in Betalbatim on Saturday, ended in a 2-2 draw after regular time, forcing the outcome to be decided by penalties.
Raia Sporting Club began the match with high intensity and took the lead in the 15th minute when Swindon Baretto scored. However, Canacona quickly responded before halftime, with Meboubh Hublikar finding the equalizer.
In the second half, Raia regained the lead in the 40th minute, once again through Swindon Baretto. But Canacona fought back, and Hublikar struck again to level the score, sending the match into a 2-2 draw.
The match was then decided by a penalty shootout, where Raia Sporting Club proved to be the more accurate shooters, advancing with a 5-3 victory. Jake Mendeira, the goalkeeper for Raia, was named Man of the Match by Princeton Rebello for his outstanding performance.
