MARGAO
Guardian Angel Sports Club stormed into the final of the 47th Cana Benaulim Soccer Tournament after edging Sao Jose de Areal 6-5 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a gripping 1-1 draw in regulation time in the second semifinal at the St. John the Baptist Panchayat Ground, Dando, Benaulim.
Sao Jose de Areal took the lead in the 25th minute when Steven Gomes calmly slotted home after being played through by Mohammed Mansouri. Guardian Angel responded swiftly, drawing level five minutes later as Ivo Costa finished clinically from close range after an excellent assist by Salgeo Dias, ensuring the teams went into the break locked at 1-1.
A pivotal moment came when Guardian Angel were awarded a penalty during regulation time, but Asnoy Costa produced a superb save to keep his side in the contest and force the match into a penalty shootout.
With the scores still level after full time, the semifinal was settled from the spot, where Guardian Angel held their nerve to emerge 6-5 winners and secure a place in the title clash.
Guardian Angel will now face Navelim Sporting Club in the final.
Ivo Costa of Guardian Angel Sports Club was named Man of the Match. The award was presented by Valerie Fernandes, Treasurer of Sporting Club Cana Benaulim.
