MARGAO: Nuvem SC held their nerve to defeat St Sebastian Youth Club Murida 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 2-2 draw in regulation time at the 25th Fr Basilio Andrade Memorial Football Tournament, organised by Associacao Academica de Majorda Utorda Calata at Musson Grounds, Majorda.
Nuvem dominated the opening exchanges, with Albino Pereira leading the attack. Francis struck the woodwork twice, while Jayson Colaco missed a free header as Murida goalkeeper Glen Fernandes came under sustained pressure.
Nuvem eventually broke the deadlock when Albino pounced on a loose ball and toe-poked it past the advancing Glen. The forward nearly doubled the lead soon after, but Murida's defence recovered to deny him.
Murida came back strongly after the break and drew level through Joston, who capitalised on a rebound after a Nuvem defender cleared an earlier effort off the line.
Murida then turned the match around when Hanslum reacted quickest to a loose ball following a free-kick. His effort struck the crossbar before crossing the goal line, giving Murida a 2-1 advantage.
Hanslum threatened again, forcing Nuvem goalkeeper Darwin into action, but Albino restored parity by heading home a Francis corner despite Glen getting a hand to the ball.
With neither side finding a winner, the match went to a penalty shootout. Nuvem converted all five attempts, while Darwin produced a crucial save to secure a dramatic 5-4 victory.
Albino was named man of the match for his influential performance and important equaliser. Former women footballer Queency Fernandes presented the award in the presence of fellow footballers Suema Barreto and Jessy Barreto.
