MARGAO
Betalbatim SC booked their place in the quarterfinals of the 52nd Custodio Memorial Football Tournament with a commanding 2-0 victory over Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda, in a match played at the Raia Panchayat Ground on Saturday.
Klusner Pereira was the star of the show for Betalbatim SC, scoring both goals and earning the Man of the Match award, while Francis Andrade stood out for Don Bosco Oratory with a determined performance. The match was witnessed by spectators, who braved intermittent rain to cheer on their teams.
Don Bosco Oratory had an early opportunity to take the lead in the 6th minute, but Alfred Noronha failed to convert. Betalbatim responded quickly, with Aniston Fernandes narrowly missing the target minutes later.
The breakthrough came in the 31st minute, when Klusner Pereira found the net with a precise diagonal strike. Just nine minutes later, he doubled the advantage with a clever finish, giving Betalbatim a comfortable 2–0 lead at halftime.
In the second half, Betalbatim SC tightened their defense and deployed additional midfield support to nullify Don Bosco Oratory’s attacking efforts. A powerful long-range attempt by Nayab Khan nearly added a third, but sailed just wide.
Don Bosco came closest to pulling one back through Francis Andrade, whose powerful shot was superbly pushed away by the Betalbatim goalkeeper.
At the final whistle, Klusner Pereira was named Man of the Match and received his award from Anthony Pango, Vice President of the Goa Football Association and former President of Raia Sporting Club.
