MARGAO: Navelim Sporting had to dig deep before overcoming ABC Arambol 6-4 in a penalty shootout to storm into the semifinals of the 47th Cana-Benaulim Soccer Tournament, organised by Sporting Club Cana-Benaulim at St John the Baptist Ground, Dando, Benaulim, on Sunday.
ABC Arambol dominated the early exchanges with their quick passing and attacking play, but strikers Manuel Fernandes and Shravan Shetty were unable to convert their chances.
Against the run of play, Navelim Sporting took the lead in the 16th minute. Julius Ferrao initiated the move by finding Richard Costa, who slipped a precise pass to Travis Souza. The forward calmly slotted home with a left-footed finish to give Navelim a 1-0 advantage.
Arambol continued to press after the break and were rewarded with an equaliser when defender Sanford Fernandes capitalised on a goalmouth scramble to make it 1-1.
With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the match went to penalties. Navelim Sporting converted through Richard Costa, Velito Costa, Joyson Coutinho, Sam Pereira and Aden Pereira, while Manuel Fernandes, Dalwin Coelho and Shashank Asvenkar were on target for ABC Arambol.
Navelim goalkeeper Selvin Gomes was named Man of the Match for his impressive performance. The award was presented by Sporting Club Cana-Benaulim treasurer Agnelo Dias.
