The Goan Network
MARGAO
Strong contenders Sai Avatar Anjuna dumped out defending champions Curtorim Gymkhana 3-2 via the tie-breaker to enter the finals of 31st Strikers Trophy Soccer Tournament organised by Young Strikers Benaulim at St John the Baptist Grounds, Dando-Benaulim on Thursday.
Curtorim shot into an early lead through striker Welson Fernandes but Nikish Salgaocar brought Anjuna in level terms on the half hour mark. And, in the penalty shootout Anjuna goalkeeper Soma Korgaocar did a lass act to stop three penalties to take his team into Sunday's final.
Anjuna conceded a soft goal as early as the 9th minute when Curtorim winger Caetano Viegas' innocuous cross got a wicked deflection off Anjuna defender Akshay Vengurlekar and also with goalkeeper Soma Korgaocar on the wrong foot, Curtorim striker Welson Fernandes dashed in to get a foot to the loose ball which rolled agonisingly into the empty net.
The goal did not deter the young Anjuna team with their playmaker Vinayak Mulgaoncar effortlessly controlling the midfield and supplying ball to his strikers Rohan Kambli and Saprem Diukar.
In the 29th minute, Curtorim midfielder Nelson Fernandes fouled Rohan Kambli on the edge of the box and the resultant freekick which was struck with intent was blocked by Curtorim goalkeeper Cristo Hilario unconvincingly but he was lucky as there was no one from the opposition side to put the rebound in. However, in the very next minute, Cristo was punished for his fault as the young goalkeeper found a
well-struck shot by Anjuna medio Tanay Naik too hot to handle and only succeeded in spilling it to a waiting winger Nitish Salgaocar to stab the ball into the nylons.
After the restart Anjuna were all over the rival territory and Curtorim defenders Placidino Fernandes and Savio Fernandes were handed a harrowing time to contain the attacks. Substitute goalkeeper Johnson Bhagat also made two crucial saves to keep Curtorim in the match.
In the ensuing tie-breaker, Anjuna netted through Thanay Naik and Jesmon Carvalho but Saprem Diukar hit the upright. For Curtorim, only Nelson Fernandes was successful but the efforts of Savio, Caetano and Welson were saved by the excellent Anjuna goalkeeper to the utter joy of the capacity crowd.
Now Sai Avatar Anjuna will clash with Navelim Sporting in the final on Sunday.
