MARGAO
St. Anthony Assolda secured a spot in the semifinals of the 2nd Vauradencho Ixtt Trophy, organised by Batora United Curtorim in association with Margao Sports Club, after defeating United Club of Seraulim 1-0 at the DSYA Ground, Curtorim, on Tuesday.
The tightly contested quarterfinal saw USC Seraulim come close to taking the lead early on when Oliver D’Souza’s strike from inside the box was punched away for a corner by Assolda goalkeeper Alwyn Faria. Assolda broke the deadlock before halftime when Sheldon Fernandes delivered a long pass to Ivo Costa, who controlled the ball and calmly tapped it into the net, giving his team a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, USC Seraulim dominated possession and mounted several attacks, with Oliver D’Souza, Selroy Fernandes, and substitutes creating chances, but the Assolda defence held firm. In the closing minutes, Assolda launched a counter-attack, with Cruz Gomes feeding substitute Succour, who then passed to Vitorinho Fernandes. Vitorinho ran past the defence and goalkeeper, only to see his shot strike the side post and bounce back, allowing the Assolda defence to clear safely.
Ivo Costa of St. Anthony Assolda was adjudged Man of the Match and was presented the award by Alex Dias in the presence of Prashant Damaskar.
