MARGAO
The only goal of the game was struck by Josley Gomes as he capitalised on a Nuvem defence that was caught off guard to hand them an early lead.
In an evenly contested match, both the teams went into attacking mode and it was Curtorim Gymkhana who took over the control and created a series of chances in the first half and created openings.
Parish Youth took time to settle down and once they struck the rhythm they called the shots against the rival goal. But Curtorim were successfully in containing the Nuvem attackers and also kept creating chances.
The all-important goal was scored by Josley Gomes in the 6th minute. Jessel Carneiro came close to extending the lead when he curled in a free-kick from 30 yards out that was palmed away by the Nuvem goalkeeper.
Nuvem had a chance towards the end of the half when Jerose Oliveira combined with Stephen Colaco to open up the Curtorim defence but their goalkeeper managed to avert the danger by showing fine reflexes.
Post resumption, Nuvem had an early chance when they won a freekick in a promising position.
However, Inacio Colaco blazed the shot over the bar. Curtorim Gymkhana fell back as their defenders were quick in frustrating the rival attacks and Parish Youth tired to get back into the game.
Jerose tried to pick out teammate Royan Alvares with a through ball but the forward couldn’t reach the ball. This was the script in the second half. And when Curtorim did attack, they threatened the Nuvem defence. Jessel was the saviour as he effected an important save from the Nuvem keeper when his stinging shot was spilled by the keeper. The defenders cleared the danger before a Curtorim player could tap in the rebound.
Nuvem had a series of free-kicks and corners but Curtorim managed to maintain their lead. Curtorim had to thank their goalkeeper for a brilliant one-handed save when he denied Standly Colaco who tried a volley from six yards out.
The move came from a corner when Inacio headed the corner into the path of Standly who nearly levelled terms with ten minutes remaining. Hayson Velho missed a glorious opportunity when he found himself unmarked in the box and the ball bouncing in front of him. But the attacker couldn’t connect as he fluffed the shot before being cleared away.
Despite a flurry of attacks, Curtorim Gymkhana stood tall in protecting the slender lead. On Tuesday, Cuncolim Union will face Raia Football Club in their quarter-final fixture.
