MARGAO
Our Lady of Gloria SC, Raia, registered a hard-fought 6-5 tie-break victory over Sporting Club Davorlim to storm into the final of the Cana Benaulim Panchayat Cup football tournament organised by Dando Boys Club, Benaulim, at St John Baptist Ground, Dando-Benaulim.
Raia dominated proceedings in the first half and took the lead in the 18th minute when winger Kifern Dias beat two defenders and set up Loyyd Cardozo, who finished from close range. Cardozo later missed a gilt-edged opportunity to extend the lead.
Davorlim improved after the interval and pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Their persistence paid off two minutes before full-time when Ajay Raj M headed home a free-kick delivered by Areen Figueiredo to level the scores.
With the match ending 1-1, the semi-final was decided through a penalty shootout. Raia converted all five attempts through Velito Cruz, Achilles Fernandes, Garrison Fernandes, Sidney Gauncar and Loyyd Cardozo. For Davorlim, Selwyn Miranda, Prince Figueiredo, Areen Figueiredo and Milton Colaco found the net.
Raia goalkeeper Jake Medeira was named Man of the Match. The award was presented by panchayat member Geneciana Baretto.
