MARGAO
In an absorbing semi-final, both the teams adopted an aggressive approach and kept the crowd on their toes.
Holy Spirit Institute though was the more dominant side and nearly found the mark in the 2nd minute when in-form striker Meuton Fernandes unleashed a snap shot which almost got deflected by a rival defender into his own net. Holy Spirit Institute goalkeeper Shivam Kalangutkar effected a brilliant save to keep the citadel intact. Fr Agnel Multipurpose striker Meuton Fernandes spurned an easy chance with only the rival goalkeeper to beat but the rival defenders came from nowhere to avert the danger.
Holy Spirit Institute recovered from the scare and regrouped quickly to take the fight to the rival camp. Their efforts nearly bore the fruit but Mevan Dias was the culprit as he muffed a sitter in the 19th minute.
The second half turned out livelier as both the teams showed urgency and there were few thrills at either end. Fr Agnel Multipurpose striker Meuton Fernandes muffed two gilt edged chances with only the rival goalkeeper to beat. With the teams locked in a goalless draw, tiebreaker was applied and Fr Agnel emerged victors. In the shootout, Meuton Fernandes, Nigel Coutonho, Aaron Masacarenhas, Royston Braganza and Brison Fernandes found the target for Fr Agnel while Prince K Singh, Saideep Pompurbekar, Aditya Salgaocar and Harsh Patre converted for Holy Spirit Institute.
In another semi-final, Rosary HSS Navelim beat Fr Agnel Multipurpose HS, Verna 3-1. Leo Rebello, Joybert Almeida and Aaron Barretto scored for Rosary while Necio Fernandes scored the consolation goal.
