MARGAO
Maina Sports Club booked their place in the semifinals of the 1st Late Antonio Colaco Memorial Football Tournament, organized by Mandopa Sports Club, with a thrilling 5-4 victory over CAC Cansaulim via a tiebreaker at the Rosary Church Ground, Navelim, on Monday.
CAC Cansaulim drew first blood in the 13th minute through a well-placed strike by Rio Rodrigues. However, Maina SC responded swiftly, with Anslem Fernandes leveling the score in the 17th minute. The match remained deadlocked at 1-1 until the final whistle, forcing the game into a penalty shootout.
In the tense tiebreaker, Cansaulim converted their spot-kicks through Rio Rodrigues, Jesus D’Sa, and Melwyn Gama. Maina SC, however, held their nerve with successful penalties from Rhay Dias, Jovial Martins, Joywin Carneiro, and Savio Peixeto, clinching the win.
Despite the defeat, Rio Rodrigues of CAC Cansaulim was named Man of the Match for his standout performance. He received the award from Richard Costa, a Mandopa Sports Club player who also represented Goa at the Lusofonia Games.
