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MARGAO
A second half goal by striker Nilesh Velip enabled hosts Cuncolim Union overcome the challenge from a spirited CRC Chinchinim 1-0 and move into the semi-finals of South Goa McDowell's No. 1 Yaari Premiere Cup inter village football tournament organized by Cuncolim Union at Government Village School Playground, Cuncolim on Saturday.
It was an encounter that promised fireworks but turned out to be the one that both teams would like to forget. If CRC, Chinchinim midfield was lethargic, Cuncolim Union's strikeforce was woeful. It was the defence that stood out at both the ends.
Egged on by the home crowd, Cuncolim Union showed the ascendancy and conjured up three scoring opportunities. First, CRC goalkeeper Raison D'Souza comfortably collected veteran striker Rosario Carvalho's try, then came a timely save from a defender to keep away Nilesh Velip's
snap shot.
At the other end, CRC Chinchinim responded with a series of raids. John Fernandes received the ball from Lerino Fernandes and the former shot from a tight angle and failed to beat the rival goalkeeper Shaikh. Later, Lerino Fernandes sped past the rival defenders and unleashed a stiff shot but it was well blocked by Cuncolim Union goalkeeper Shaikh. With time ticking away for the break, Cuncolim Union came roaring but veteran striker Rosario Carvalho muffed a sitter with only the rival
goalkeeper to beat.
The second session lacked the intensity with both the teams guilty of miss-passes and chances were few and far between. CRC's John Fernandes should have scored but rival goalkeeper made a stupendous save to block his effort. Soon after resumption, CRC's Sunny Simoes lifted the ball above the onrushing rival goalkeeper only to miss by a few inches.
The all important goal came in the 38th minute when Rosario Carvalho floated the ball inside the rival penalty box and Nilesh Velip made no mistake in nodding the ball home to bring loud applause from the Cuncolim supporters.
Stunned by the goal, CRC Chinchinim went all out in search of the equaliser and made a few sorties but the rival defenders were alert in protecting the slender lead. Cuncolim Union had couple of scoring opportunities to inflate their tally but Nilesh Velip and Rosario Carvalho squandered easy chances. CRC Chinchinim too got chances but John Fernandes and Sunny Simoes muffed them.
Cuncolim Union will now meet United Club of Palolem in the second semi-final on August 14.
PLAYING TODAY
Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club vs Curtorim Gymkhana, Government Village School Playground, Cuncolim, 4.30 pm.
