THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
Ambelim Sports Club walloped United Club of Benaulim 5-1 to seal a finals spot in the All Goa Chinchinim-Deussua Village Panchayat Cup football tournament organized by CRC, Chinchinim at Church ground, Chinchinim on Thursday. Ambelim led 2-1 at half time.
Nial Cardozo was the hero of the day as he scored a brace. Ambelim started the game on a positive note as striker Blasco Fernandes opened the scoring in the very 3rd minute. Following a well measured cross from Samson Simoes, striker Blasco Fernandes slotted past the rival goalkeeper with a snap shot.
However, Benaulim regrouped quickly and in the 25th minute, Sunny Rodrigues neutralized the lead off a pass from Joaquim Fernandes. Stunned by the equaliser, Ambelim went into attacking mode and in the 30th minute, Jade Colaco punted the ball to the far corner.
Crossing over, Ambelim enjoyed total domination and pushed their opponents on the back foot.
Nial Cardozo put the issue beyond doubt when he beat the rival goalkeeper with a neat finish after rival goalkeeper committed a blunder.
There was no stopping Ambelim thereafter as Ranson Fernandes bulged the net in the 65th minute. Nial Cardozo hammered the final nail into the rival coffin to complete the rout.
On Wednesday, riding on a fine brace from Valerie Fernandes, Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim beat St Rock's Youth Club, Calata-Majorda 3-2 to march into the final. The teams were tied 1-1 at half time. Valerie Fernandes broke the deadlocked in the 23rd minute when he beat the rival goalkeeper with a rasping shot off an assist from Chrisbern Estibeiro. However, their joy was short-lived and four minutes later Roshall Fernandes neutralized the lead off a pass from Steven Fernandes. Post resumption, both the teams put up a better display and launched a flurry of attacks. St Rock's Youth Club made it 2-1 soon after resumption when Roshall Fernandes beat the rival goalkeeper with a clinical finish off a pass from Clinton Fernandes. Stunned by the lead Cavelossim once again got into attacking mode and in the 41st minute, Valerie Fernandes restored parity when he punished the rival goalkeeper with stiff shot off a pass from Neil D'Cruz. Chrisbern Estibeiro added his name to scorers' sheet after he converted the spot-kick to send their supporters into raptures.
Ambelim will now meet Cavelossim in the finals on August 30.
SCOREBOX
Ambelim SC 5 beat UC Benaulim 1
St Cruz Cavelossim 3 beat St Rock's YC 2
