MARGAO: CRCC Chinchinim defeated Sinquerim SC 7-5 via a penalty shootout after the match ended 2-2 in regulation time to book their place in the final of the 27th Our Lady of Merces Inter-Village Football Tournament.
CRCC took the lead in the 21st minute when Om Raikar converted a fine pass from Sherio Gomes to give his side a 1-0 lead at half-time.
Franky Olivera doubled the advantage in the 42nd minute, but Sinquerim staged a spirited comeback. Aiyan Sheikh pulled one back in the 45th minute before scoring again in the 52nd minute to level the scores.
Sinquerim goalkeeper Yogendra Narvekar produced an outstanding performance, making several crucial saves to thwart repeated raids from Olivera and Gomes.
With neither side able to find a winner, the match went into a tie-breaker. Rohan, Om, Segmund, Denil and Franky converted for CRCC, while Rohan, Aiyan and Akshay scored for Sinquerim.
CRCC Chinchinim will face Navelim Villagers Union in the grand final on August 15.
