MARGAO
Betalbatim Sporting Club registered a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Shiroda Youth Club to book their place in the quarterfinals of the Late Manuel Joao Pereira & Late Menino Santan Fonseca All Goa Inter-Village Football Tournament. The match, organized by Navelim Sporting Club, was played at Rosary Church Ground, Navelim, on Sunday.
Betalbatim came close to opening the scoring early in the game when Riyam Asampur’s shot from inside the box sailed over the crossbar. At the other end, Shiroda nearly took the lead, but Elihas Colaco’s header struck the side post and went out of play. Just before halftime, Aniston Fernandes put Betalbatim ahead with a long-range effort that beat the Shiroda goalkeeper, who misjudged the ball. Betalbatim went into the break leading 1–0.
In the second half, Shiroda increased the pressure and earned a penalty, which Royston Vaz calmly converted to bring the scores level. However, Betalbatim regained the lead when Joel D’Silva headed home from a well-delivered free kick to make it 2–1. In the closing moments, Prajwal Ghadi unleashed a powerful shot, but goalkeeper Milton D’Souza made a crucial save, punching the ball away for a corner.
Agnelo Estibeiro, Cultural Secretary, presented the Man of the Match award to Aliston Fernandes of Betalbatim Sporting Club.
