MARGAO
Sao Jose de Areal produced a composed and clinical performance to beat Sai Avatar SC, Anjuna, 2-0 in the first semifinal of the 46th Cana Benaulim Soccer Championship, held at Benaulim Panchayat Ground.
Anjuna began the match with high intensity and nearly caught Areal off guard in the opening minute, but goalkeeper Aggie Antao made a spectacular flying save to deny them. Just two minutes later, Areal struck the first blow—Alvito Moura capitalized on a goalmouth scramble to slot home and give his side an early lead.
After the restart, Anjuna pushed hard for an equaliser, with Pavan and Rohan providing energy and support to forwards Mohammed and Marvoti. However, in their pursuit of a goal, they left space at the back—space that Areal exploited expertly. In the 33rd minute, Ashley Gomes delivered a pinpoint cross which Stallone converted with precision, doubling the lead.
Anjuna continued to press, but were repeatedly thwarted by a rock-solid Areal defense, marshaled by Bersal, Aryan, and the ever-reliable Aggie Antao in goal.
