MARGAO
United Sports Club of Seraulim booked a semi-final berth in the 50th Chandor Seamen Football Tournament, organised by Chandor Club and played at the Chandor Church Sports Complex ground, defeating Sporting Club of Davorlim 5-4 via penalty shootout.
Both teams took little time to settle, playing with resolve to gain supremacy. The Seraulim boys tried to penetrate the Davorlim citadel, but the defenders stood firm, aborting a couple of good moves.
Sporting Club of Davorlim drew first blood in the 20th minute when Melchior Miranda capitalised on a defensive lapse, chipping the ball into the net to beat the Seraulim keeper. They led 1-0 at the lemon break.
On resumption, the Seraulim boys looked determined to level and pressed hard for the equaliser. Their efforts bore fruit when Fluscio Fernandes brilliantly headed in off a well-taken corner by Klinsman Vaz, making it 1-1.
The Davorlim side redoubled their efforts, but fortune did not favour them. With the score locked 1-1 at full time, the match moved into penalties.
In the shootout, Fluscio Fernandes, Oliver D’Souza, Ashley Fds, and Dickson Rogtao converted for Seraulim, while William Niasso, Adam Gomes, and Aaron Figueiredo scored for Davorlim. Fluscio Fernandes was adjudged Hero of the Match and received the award from Jerson Colaco, former Chandor Club player. A Golden Jubilee memento was also presented to Sporting Club of Davorlim by Joseph Pereira, former panch of Chandor-Cavorim.
