MARGAO
Parish Youth Nuvem booked their place in the semi-finals of the fifth Betalbatim Villagers Cup 2026 after defeating United Boys Ambaulim 7-6 in the sudden-death tie-breaker following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Panchayat Ground, Betalbatim, on Thursday.
United Boys Ambaulim made the brighter start and took the lead through Cyril Dias, whose well-placed finish gave his side a 1-0 advantage at half-time. Nuvem came back strongly after the break and drew level in the 34th minute through midfielder Inacio Colaco. Both teams created chances in the closing stages, with Sowell Fernandes going close for Ambaulim before the Nuvem goalkeeper punched the ball away for a corner. Nuvem pressed for a winner in the final quarter but were unable to break the deadlock, sending the match into a tie-breaker.
Parish Youth Nuvem held their nerve in the shootout, winning 7-6 in sudden death to advance to the semi-finals. Inacio Colaco was named Man of the Match, with the award presented by Fr Agapito D'Cunha.
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CRC Chinchinim prevail in 13-goal thriller
MARGAO: CRC Chinchinim survived a dramatic challenge from CSA Verna to advance to the next round of the St Sebastian UC Benaulim Football Tournament, winning 8-7 in the tie-breaker after an enthralling 5-5 draw at the St John the Baptist Dando Panchayat Ground.
Franky was the standout performer for Chinchinim, scoring four goals, including a first-half hat-trick. Verna's Royden matched the feat with a hat-trick as the two sides traded goals throughout the contest. Larson gave Chinchinim the lead in the second half before Jesloy and Royden put Verna back in front. Franky struck his fourth goal in the 55th minute to restore parity at 5-5 and force the match into penalties. Chinchinim converted all their chances from the spot to secure an 8-7 victory in the tie-breaker and progress to the next round.
