MARGAO
United Club of Nerul defeated Don Bosco Oratory Fatorda 7-6 via the tie-breaker and moved to the quarter-finals of the 26th Holy Cross inter-village football tournament held at Vodlemoll Kakoda, on Thursday.
In the first half, Don Bosco Oratory Fatorda displayed commendable gameplay, making several attempts to score but were thwarted by the formidable defense of UC Nerul. A penalty opportunity arose for Fatorda, but their hopes were dashed when the Nerul goalkeeper exhibited remarkable skill in saving the shot, denying Fatorda the chance to take the lead. However, luck favored Fatorda as they secured a 1-0 advantage through an own goal from a Nerul defender, off a well-curved corner kick by Cayven Araujo.
The second half witnessed an intense battle between the two sides, with neither able to find the back of the net until the dying minutes. UC Nerul surged forward, and Ransley Gonsalves delivered a crucial goal with a perfectly placed shot, leveling the scoreline at 1-1.
With the deadlock unbroken after full time, the match headed into a tense penalty shoot-out. UC Nerul held their nerve as Siddhartha, Bhavesh, Rajat, Stanley, Krupes, and Anron converted their penalties while Hanslem, Clive, Rahul, Cayven, and Roque found the target for DBO Fatorda.
