MARGAO
Ambelim SC edged past United Club Verna 5-3 on penalties to secure a spot in the semifinals of the Fr. Bruno Leitao Memorial Cup 2024, held at the Chinchinim Church ground on Thursday
Ambelim began the match aggressively, with Asfin and Arvind putting pressure on the Verna defense. Their efforts nearly paid off in the ninth minute when a well-taken free kick was saved by the Verna goalkeeper. The rebound fell to Asfin, but his shot struck the side post. Verna responded with attacks of their own, but Ambelim's defense held firm. The first half ended scoreless, with Verna's goalkeeper making a crucial one-on-one save against Asfin Pinto in the 24th minute.
The second half saw both teams approach cautiously. Asfin and Arvind continued to threaten the Verna defense, and a dangerous cross by Asfin in the 64th minute was cleared for a corner. However, Verna broke the deadlock in the 67th minute when a loose clearance by Ambelim was capitalised on by Clifford Rebello. Ambelim didn't give up and managed to equalise in the last minute of the game. Arvind pounced on a save by the Verna defender from Micheal Silva's attempt and slotted the ball home to force the penalty shootout.
Ambelim proved to be the more clinical team in the penalty shootout, with Micheal Silva, Velroy Fernandes, Asfin Pinto, and Blasco Fernandes all converting their spot-kicks. Verna could only manage two successful penalties from Saivon Albuquerque and Savio Pereira. Asfin Pinto was awarded the player of the match trophy by Ivy Ferrao, Panch member of the Village Panchayat Chinchinim-Deussua.
