MARGAO
With just ten men on the field, Guardian Angel SC overcame United Club of Seraulim 6-5 in a thrilling penalty shootout to reach the semifinals of the 31st Mandopa Cup 2026, organised by Mandopa Sporting Club at their ground on Monday.
Seraulim started strongly, taking advantage of Guardian Angel’s numerical disadvantage. They struck twice in quick succession through Oliver D’Souza and Brenson Fernandes in the 16th and 17th minutes. Guardian Angel fought back, with Richard Fernandes pulling one back in the 23rd minute. Before halftime, Vitorinho Fernandes missed a chance to level the score, leaving the half-time score at 2-1 in Seraulim’s favour.
The second half saw Seraulim squander several scoring opportunities. Guardian Angel gradually grew into the game, and in the 43rd minute, Vitorinho Fernandes set up Fhezer Gomes, who calmly slotted home the equaliser. In the dying moments, Alton Vaz missed a clear chance for Guardian Angel, and the referee, Rohan Pereira, blew the final whistle to send the game into a penalty shootout.
In the ensuing tiebreaker, Guardian Angel proved superior from the spot, winning 6-5 to book a semifinal berth. Fhezer Gomes was named Man of the Match, presented by Alister Gomes.
