MARGAO: Fr Agnel Youth Club Paroda stormed into the semi-finals of the 27th All Goa Our Lady of Merces Inter-Village Football Tournament after edging past Arlem Youth Association, Raia 6-4 in a penalty shootout following a gripping 2-2 draw in regulation time.
Paroda made an impressive start and took the lead in the eighth minute through Salvin Fernandes. They doubled their advantage just five minutes later when Clifton Fernandes finished off a well-worked move to put his side firmly in command.
Arlem YA Raia responded before the break, with Sanjiro Pango pulling one back in the 24th minute to reduce the deficit to 2-1 at half-time.
The Raia outfit returned with renewed purpose after the interval and found the equaliser in the 50th minute when Snedan Vaz struck to make it 2-2, taking the contest to a penalty shootout.
Paroda held their nerve from the spot, with Rayan, Selvin, Godwin and Liven converting their penalties. Arlem YA Raia managed successful strikes through Movin and Snedan, but Paroda emerged 6-4 winners in the tie-breaker to seal their place in the last four.
Fr Agnel YC Paroda will now look to carry their winning momentum into the semi-finals.
