Margao
Both the teams displayed attacking brand of soccer. However it was Navelim Veterans who created scare in the 7th minute when former Dempo midfielder Johnny D’Cruz found Frank Fernandes inside the rival penalty box and the last named unleashed a snap shot which was parried away by the rival goalkeeper.
Navelim Veterans had another chance when winger Seby Pereira broke the deadlock when he unleashed a stiff shot that crashed into the net off Ajay in the 10th minute. Spurred by the lead, Navelim Veterans upped the ante and created more opening but Frank Fernandes being the worst offender he squandered an open chance with only rival goalkeeper to beat in the 12th minute.
At the other end, Curtorim Veterans were rewarded for their hard work when Mario Pereira’s glancing header beat the rival goalkeeper hands down in the 15th minute.
The equalizer boosted the morale of Curtorim Veterans players as they mounted pressure on the rival citadel when former Salgaocar Sports Club defender Roque Carneiro’s left footed shot was thwarted by the rival defender
In the 44th minute. Roque Carneiro had a chance to seale the rival fate as he balloned over from cross range.
In the resultant tie-breaker, Navelim Veterans scored through Cajie, Claude, Ajay,Joaquim and Caitan converted for winners while Mario,Seby, Raju and Chima were on target for Curtorim Veterans.
Navelim Veterans will meet Albert Developers Merces Veterans in the semi-finals slated to be held on April 6.
