MARGAO: Sao Jose de Areal cruised into the semifinals of the 47th Cana Benaulim Soccer Tournament with a convincing 3-0 victory over Parish Youth Nuvem at the St. John the Baptist Panchayat Ground, Benaulim, on Monday.
Organised by Sporting Club Cana Benaulim, the quarterfinal witnessed Areal dominate proceedings from start to finish. Their bright start was rewarded in the fifth minute when Mohammed Mansouri opened the scoring, giving his side an early advantage.
Mansouri, along with Azilton Viegas, controlled the midfield with composed passing and excellent game management, leaving Nuvem struggling to gain a foothold. Despite several attempts to get back into the contest, Nuvem failed to create any clear-cut opportunities as Areal carried a deserved 1-0 lead into the interval.
Areal struck almost immediately after the restart, with Azilton Viegas doubling the lead within a minute of the second half. The goal effectively ended Nuvem's hopes of a comeback as Areal continued to dictate the tempo despite persistent rain.
The third goal arrived after Azilton was fouled inside the penalty area. Captain Bersal Viegas stepped up and calmly converted the spot kick to seal an emphatic victory.
Nuvem's only real opportunity came from the penalty spot, but the Areal goalkeeper produced an excellent save to preserve his clean sheet and complete a solid defensive performance.
For his influential display in midfield, which included a goal and winning the decisive penalty, Azilton Viegas was named Man of the Match. The award was presented by former national footballer and Sporting Club Cana Benaulim Executive Member Constancio Fernandes.
