MARGAO
PY Nuvem defeated Sporting Club Cana Benaulim 5-4 in a penalty shootout to book a place in the quarter-finals of the 47th Cana Benaulim Soccer Tournament at St John Baptist Ground, Dando, Benaulim. The tournament is organised by Sporting Club Cana Benaulim.
After a cautious start, the hosts, spurred on by the home crowd, forced PY Nuvem onto the defensive. However, striker Keegan Fernandes squandered three gilt-edged chances in the opening quarter.
PY Nuvem gradually settled into the contest and came close to taking the lead in the 20th minute when striker Albino Pereira's powerful shot was brilliantly punched away by Sporting goalkeeper Tino Fernandes.
Both teams adopted a defensive approach after the interval, with Sporting defenders Ashton Rodrigues and Mark Fernandes putting in solid performances to thwart Nuvem's attacks.
With neither side able to break the deadlock in regulation time, the match was decided on penalties. Albino Pereira, Leroy Colaco, Royston Mascarenhas, Inacio Colaco and Shenoy Colaco converted for PY Nuvem, while Vishal Fernandes, Arif Pathan, Luis Menin and Maxwell Rodrigues were on target for Sporting Club Cana Benaulim.
Royston Mascarenhas of PY Nuvem was adjudged man of the match. The award was presented by Joe Fernandes, chairman of the organising committee.
