MARGAO
Betalbatim Sporting stormed into the semifinals of the Franco Gouveia Memorial Tournament with a spirited 2-0 win over rivals St Sebastian Benaulim at the DSYA Ground, Colva. The tournament is organised by St Anthony Club Colva.
The much-anticipated village derby produced an entertaining contest, with both sides showing attacking intent from the outset. Joswan led Benaulim’s attack with dangerous runs, while Dickson kept the Betalbatim defence busy with his pace and creativity. Despite several chances at both ends, the teams went into the break locked at 0-0.
Betalbatim broke the deadlock in the second half when Dickson delivered a precise free-kick that Joel D’Silva converted brilliantly to give his side the lead. Benaulim responded with urgency and came close through Arif Pathan, whose powerful effort struck the side bar, while Joswan narrowly missed with a header.
As the game grew increasingly physical, Betalbatim held firm under pressure. Deep into stoppage time, Oliver D’Souza calmly converted a penalty to seal the victory and end Benaulim’s hopes of a comeback.
Joel D’Silva was named Man of the Match for his impressive performance and received the award from Seby Fernandes.
