MARGAO: Guardian Angel SC Curchorem staged a spirited comeback from two goals down before prevailing 6-4 in a penalty shootout against Cuncolim Union to book a place in the semifinals of the 35th Super Soccer Tournament at the St. John the Baptist Panchayat Ground, Dando-Colva.
Organised by United Boys of Dando Colva, the quarterfinal witnessed Cuncolim Union race into an early lead when Viraj Velip headed in from a corner in the fourth minute. They doubled their advantage in the 13th minute through Ligation Fernandes, putting Guardian Angel under pressure.
Guardian Angel responded strongly and reduced the deficit in the 24th minute when Alton Vaz nodded home a well-placed header. Vaz struck again in first-half stoppage time, heading in the equaliser to cap a remarkable recovery before the break.
The second half saw both teams create several scoring opportunities in an entertaining end-to-end contest, but resolute goalkeeping at both ends ensured the scores remained locked at 2-2.
With no winner emerging in regulation time, the match was decided by penalties. Guardian Angel held their nerve in the shootout, converting their chances to seal a 6-4 victory and advance to the last four.
Guardian Angel's comeback hero Alton Vaz was named Man of the Match. The award was presented by former India footballer Xavier Colaco.
