MARGAO
Eclate FC stormed into the next round of the 9-a-side Curtorim Inter-Ward Football Tournament 2026 after edging past St Anthony 6-5 via tie-breaker at the St Alex Church ground, Curtorim. The tournament is organised by Sporting Club Virabhat.
St Anthony took the lead in the 10th minute after an own goal by Eclate FC defender Afileo Fernandes made it 1-0. Eclate FC created several scoring opportunities in the first half but failed to find the equaliser.
After the break, Eclate FC bounced back strongly and restored parity through Aliston Fernandes in the 35th minute to level the scores at 1-1. Both teams pressed hard for the winner, but their forwards failed to convert chances as the match ended in a draw in regulation time.
In the tie-breaker, Eclate FC held their nerves to prevail 5-4 and seal a place in the next round.
Lester Dias of St Anthony was awarded the man of the match prize by Constancio Castanha, former president of SC Virabhat.
