MARGAO: FC Siolim booked their place in the quarterfinals of the 53rd Custodio Memorial Football Tournament after defeating Betalbatim Sporting Club 7-6 via a tie-breaker at the Panchayat Ground, Raia, on Friday.
Betalbatim Sporting Club drew first blood in the ninth minute through Mark Antao, who put his side ahead with a well-taken goal. FC Siolim responded just before the interval when Dalesh Pednekar found the equaliser in first-half stoppage time (35+1), ensuring the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Betalbatim regained the lead in the 51st minute when Riyam Asampur struck to make it 2-1.
However, FC Siolim showed great resilience and fought back once again, scoring the equaliser in the 60th minute to restore parity at 2-2. Despite further attempts from both teams, neither side could find the winner, forcing the match into a tie-breaker.
In the shootout, FC Siolim held their nerve and proved the better finishers, emerging 7-6 winners to advance to the last eight of the tournament.
Dalesh Pednekar was adjudged Man of the Match. The award was presented by Queeny D'Cunha, Panch member of the Village Panchayat of Raia.
