MARGAO
Hosts Betalbatim Sporting Club registered a convincing 3–0 victory over Goa Velha Sports Club to book a place in the quarterfinals of the 8th Martin’s Cup Football Tournament, played at the Panchayat Ground, Betalbatim, on Monday.
The match began on a lively note, with Betalbatim creating the first clear chance when Klusner Pereira’s powerful left-footer struck the crossbar. Goa Velha responded soon after as Alme Fernandes broke through the defence, but his close-range effort sailed over the bar.
Betalbatim broke the deadlock when Gladson Braganza found the net with a well-placed shot. Four minutes later, Klusner Pereira made amends for his earlier miss by doubling the lead, giving the hosts a 2–0 advantage at halftime.
After the break, Goa Velha pressed hard in search of a comeback and earned two one-on-one opportunities through Francisco Afonso. However, Betalbatim goalkeeper Milton D’Souza stood firm, denying the striker on both occasions.
As the match entered the final quarter, Betalbatim sealed the result when Gladson Braganza scored his second goal of the match, completing a brace and ending Goa Velha’s challenge.
For his match-winning performance, Gladson Braganza was adjudged Player of the Match, with the award presented by Pobres Pereira.
