MARGAO
Guardian Angel SC overcame Cuncolim Union 2–1 to book a place in the semifinals of the 8th Martin’s Cup, organised by Betalbatim Sporting Club, at the Betalbatim Panchayat Ground on Monday.
The match was evenly contested, with both teams displaying determination and skill in front of a large crowd. Guardian Angel’s Vitorinho Fernandes missed an early opportunity in the 15th minute. Cuncolim responded with a swift counterattack when Daulat Dessai broke through the defence and fired a left-footed shot that struck the side post and went out of play. The teams went into the lemon break with the score level at 0–0.
After the resumption, Guardian Angel broke the deadlock through striker Vitorinho Fernandes, who finished neatly to put his side ahead. Richard Fernandes then doubled Guardian Angel’s lead. Cuncolim Union mounted strong pressure in response and were rewarded when Denvil Fernandes pulled one goal back.
The final ten minutes were tense as Cuncolim pushed hard for an equaliser. Guardian Angel goalkeeper Oswin Rodrigues rose to the occasion with an outstanding performance, making four crucial saves—denying a one-on-one chance, collecting two goalmouth efforts, and punching away a dangerous free kick for a corner.
With this victory, Guardian Angel SC will face United Boys of Ambaulim in the semifinals.
Sheldon Fernandes of Guardian Angel SC was adjudged Man of the Match, with the award presented by Menino Cota, Treasurer of BSC.
On Sunday, United Boys of Ambaulim entered the semifinals of the 8th Martin’s Cup after registering a convincing 2–0 victory over Parish Youth Nuvem in their quarterfinal encounter.
The breakthrough came in the 41st minute when Alex Fernandes unleashed a left-footed strike from inside the box that beat the Nuvem goalkeeper and found the back of the net. Ambaulim doubled their advantage in the 48th minute through Dylan Carvalho, who expertly headed in a corner kick into the far corner of the goal.
Nuvem came close to reducing the margin in injury time when Albino Pereira dribbled past the goalkeeper and took a shot, but the ball struck the side post and went out of play.
Dylan Carvalho of United Boys of Ambaulim was adjudged Man of the Match, with the award presented by football enthusiast Shuwan D’Costa.
