MARGAO
A fine brace by Melvin Fernandes powered Curtorim Gymkhana into the final of the Late Manuel Joao Pereira and Late Menino Santan Fonceca memorial football tournament, as they defeated a spirited Betalbatim Sporting Club 2-0 in the second semifinal at the Rosary Church ground, Navelim, on Saturday.
Both teams adopted an attacking approach from the outset, creating several scoring opportunities. However, neither side could break the deadlock in the first half, which ended goalless.
Curtorim Gymkhana found the breakthrough soon after the restart. Melvin Fernandes opened the scoring in the 46th minute, heading home a well-delivered corner by Ryan Fernandes. He doubled the lead in the 60th minute after receiving a pass from Anslem Fernandes just outside the box, controlling it well before firing past the Betalbatim defence and goalkeeper.
Betalbatim Sporting Club fought hard to get back into the game, with forwards Alison Rogtao, Oliver D’Souza and Riyam Asampur trying to make inroads, but they were unable to find the back of the net.
With this win, Curtorim Gymkhana advance to the final, where they will face UB Ambaulim on April 26.
At the end of the match, tournament sponsor Mario Pereira presented the Man of the Match award to Melvin Fernandes for his match-winning performance.
