The Goan Network
MARGAO
Ambelim Sports Club edged past a fighting St Rock's Youth Club, Majorda 2-1 to enter the quarter-finals of 31st Strikers Trophy Soccer Tournament, organised by Young Strikers Benaulim at Dando grounds, Benaulim on Tuesday.
In an exciting encounter, Ambelim held the upper hand in the first half with medio Percival D'Silva controlling the midfield.
Ambelim deservedly took the lead in the 30th minute when Nial Cardozo latched on to a through pass off Percival to slot past rival goalkeeper Sadiq Ahmed. After the change of ends, Majorda were a transformed side with striker Mathew Colaco harrasing the rival defenders with his pace.
Majorda's persistent efforts were rewarded when wing back Filburn Ferrao restored parity in a goalmouth scramble in the 48th minute. Thereafter, there was not much action and the tie-breaker looked eminent. However, Majorda's young defender Royston Goes conceded a flag kick two minutes before the close and paid dearly for the fault.
The resultant corner kick taken by Prinson Fernandes was slammed in by Stellon Cardozo to take his team into the quarter-finals.
In Monday's game, Carmona Sports Club beat St Anthony's Sports Club, Colva 5-3 via the tie-breaker to enter the quarter finals.
The match never rose to dizzy heights with both the teams using defensive strategies in the second half. The story of the match remained same but Carmona went ahead with just five minutes left for the final whistle under favouring circumstances.
Colva defender Dhilon Fernandes, in an attempt to give a back pass to his goalkeeper Denzil Dias, headed into his own goal to the utter dismay of the supporters. However, Colva recovered quickly when winger Joseph Pereira equalised within two minutes with a left-footed drive which gave no chance to Carmona goalkeeper Mohammed Shaikh. In the tie-breaker, Yuri Ferrao, Christben Esteibeiro, Mohammed Shikh and Joyson Estibeiro made no mistakes for Carmona while only Romario Fernandes and Maxson Fernandes scored for Colva.
Today's Action
31st Young Strikers Trophy: Young Strikers Benaulim v Varca SC, Dando grounds, Benaulim, 5pm.
