Margao: Navelim Sporting produced a spirited second-half comeback to defeat Canacona SCC 3-1 and book their place in the quarterfinals of the 47th Cana-Benaulim Soccer Tournament, organised by Sporting Club of Cana Benaulim and played at the St John the Baptist Ground, Dando, Benaulim.
Canacona SCC made a bright start and took the lead in the seventh minute through midfielder Mohammad Hublikar. He was well-positioned inside the box to deftly redirect a low free-kick from Austin Diniz past Navelim goalkeeper Riaz.
Stung by the early setback, Navelim Sporting pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Meliston Dias squandered a good opportunity. Canacona nearly doubled their advantage when striker Veniston latched onto a pass from Clarence, only to shoot wide of the target.
Navelim emerged a transformed side after the break and quickly restored parity. Richard Costa found the back of the net after connecting with a pass from Mohammad Gunar to make it 1-1.
Navelim deservedly went ahead in the 48th minute when Sam Pereira spotted Julius Ferrao unmarked inside the box, and the striker calmly slotted the ball past Canacona goalkeeper Earl Fernandes.
The result was sealed two minutes from full time when Sam Pereira capped an impressive performance by scoring Navelim's third goal after combining neatly with Meliston Dias.
Sam Pereira was adjudged Man of the Match. The award was presented by Caetano Fernandes, president of Sporting Club of Cana Benaulim.
