The Goan Network
Margao
Benaulim Veterans registered a solitary goal victory over Navelim Veterans to enter the semifinals of the 16th VM Salgaocar Memorial Veterans Soccer at St John the Baptist Grounds, Dando-Benaulim on Saturday.
After a barren first half, skipper Camilo Baptista connected the spot kick to give his team a deserving win. Navelim could have taken the lead but Benaulim goalkeeper Costao Silva made an excellent save to deny Franky Fernandes.Therafter,Benaulim dominated the proceedings with medio Bobby Crasto and Camilo Baptista taking total control of the midfield but upfront striker Mohammed Bepari was wasteful and missed an absolute sitter following a pass by Francis Vodlo.
After change of ends, Benaulim continued their attacking display and former Salgaocar goalkeeper Avertano Furtado who had made a couple of point-blank saves brought down Mohammed Bepari to concede a penalty at the 58th minute. Camilo Baptista who took the responsibility sent Avertano the wrong way to put Benaulim ahead. Caetano Silva who came in the second session for Benaulim broke down the middle but his try went wide.
The goal proved to be the match-winner in the final analysis.
