MARGAO
A four-goal blitz by striker Irfan Yadwad helped Panjim Footballers rout Guardian Angel Sports Club 5-2 and reach the semifinals of 17th Goa Police Cup football tournament organized by Goa Police Sports Club Sports Cell, at Sesa FA ground, Sirsaim on Monday.
Panjim Footballers led 2-1 at the break. Panjim Footballers controlled the possession and looked to hold away in the opening session. Irfan set the tone when he slotted past the rival goalkeeper in the 12th minute. In the 21st minute, Johnson Horta cancelled the lead for Guardian Angel.
Unfazed, Panjim Footballers went into the attacking mode and in the 37th minute, Irfan regained the lead for his team. Panjim Footballers looked dangerous in the second half and Joyson Gaunkar inflated the tally in the 68th minute.
Then it was the turn of Irfan, who completed his hat-trick. In the 90th minute, Irfan Yadwad put the issue beyond doubt at the stroke of final whistle with his team's fifth goal. Nicholas Rodrigues pulled a goal back in the stoppage time for Guardian Angel.
In another quarterfinal at Duler ground, Calangute Association beat I-League side Churchill Brothers 8-7 via the tiebreaker. The teams were tied 2-2 at full time.
