MARGAO
St Anthony SC Assolda booked their place in the final of the 52nd Custodio Memorial Football Tournament with a gritty 2-1 win over hosts Raia Sporting Club in a thrilling semifinal clash held at the Raia Panchayat Ground.
St Anthony's Sunny Fernandes nearly opened the scoring in the 4th minute, narrowly missing the target. Raia SC responded swiftly, with Joyson Gauncar sending a shot over the bar in the 7th minute. Velito Cruz also came close for Raia, but his effort was parried to safety by the Assolda goalkeeper.
The deadlock was broken in the 30th minute when Sheldon Pexito slotted home to give St Anthony SC Assolda a 1-0 lead. Assolda then tightened their control in midfield, effectively cutting off supply lines to the Raia forwards and holding onto their advantage into the break.
Raia SC fought back in the second half, finding an equalizer in the 65th minute through a well-worked move finished by Joyson Gauncar, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
However, the joy was short-lived, as Frazer Gomes restored Assolda’s lead just four minutes later with a composed finish in the 69th minute, sealing a 2-1 victory.
MMC Councillor Johny Crasto, the chief guest, presented the Man of the Match award to Frazer Gomes for his decisive contribution.
