MARGAO
A fine brace by former Salgaocar midfielder Francis Andrade helped hosts Margao Sports Club eke out a 2-1 win against Betalbatim Sporting Club and cruise into the quarter-finals of All Goa 4th Shooting Stars Cup inter village football tournament organized by Margao Sports Club in association with Shooting Stars Sports Club, Colleavaddo-Assolna at Ambelim ground, on Monday. Margao Sports Club led 1-0 at the breather.
Margao started the game on an attacking note and troubled the rival defence with well orchestrated raids. Margao came calling but their strikers fumbled at crucial moments. At the other end, Betalbatim Sporting Club took time to settle down and once they struck the rhythm they called the shots against the rival citadel.
Margao Sports Club broke the deadlock in the fifth minute when Francis Andrade unleashed a left-footer that crashed into the net. Spurred by the early lead, Margao intensified their attacks but their forwards ran out of ideas after reaching the rival danger zone.
Crossing over, Margao continued to dictate terms but their pace slackened, which allowed their opponents to raid their goal. Persistent forays paid off when Austin Fernandes slotted past the rival goalkeeper with a snap shot in the 50th minute.
Stunned by the equaliser, Margao fired couple of pots shots against the rival goal. Francis Andrade, who was in thick of action, struck the match winner late in the second half and also registered his brace.
PLAYING TODAY
Navelim Villagers Union vs Maina Sports Club, Ambelim ground, 4.30 pm.
