PANAJI
In a tightly contested encounter, Nuvem SC held their nerve to edge past Navelim SC in a dramatic penalty shootout, sealing their place in the semi-finals of the 24th Fr. Basilio Andrade Memorial Tournament.
Navelim had the first real chance of the game when Clinton Niasso cut in from the right flank and unleashed a shot, but it caused no trouble for Salfan Dias, who collected it calmly. Nuvem responded quickly as Albino Pereira switched play beautifully to Alvito Dias, who let the ball roll across his body before firing a fierce drive toward goal — only for Mehboob Hussain to pull off a stunning save. The rebound fell kindly to Shenoy Colaco, but his powerful follow-up flew wide of the target.
Navelim continued to threaten when Mohammed Gundar found Ronaldo Pereira in space. Ronaldo turned smartly and aimed for the bottom corner, but Salfan dived brilliantly to keep it out. Moments later, Ronaldo had another golden opportunity when a flick-on from a cross dropped invitingly to him, yet he volleyed over the bar from close range.
With both teams trading blows, it was Nuvem who broke the deadlock — a cross from the right fell perfectly for Albino Pereira, who showed class and composure to chip the onrushing keeper, giving Nuvem the lead.
Navelim soon found an unlikely equalizer in bizarre fashion. Noah Luis spread play wide to Velon Rebello, whose intended cross lacked curve but somehow floated straight over the keeper and nestled into the far corner, stunning the Nuvem defence and levelling the scoreline.
In the second half, both sides searched for a winner. Nuvem nearly snatched it late when Shenoy Colaco broke through one-on-one with Mehboob Hussain, attempting an audacious lob, but Mehboob managed to get a fingertip to it — just enough to slow the ball down and recover before it crossed the line.
With nothing separating the two sides, the match went to penalties. Nuvem kept their composure from the spot, while their goalkeeper came up big with key saves to send Nuvem through in dramatic fashion.
Ronaldo Pereira was presented with the Man of the Match award by Venecia Carvalho for his tireless performance.
