MArgao
Last year's runners-up Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club showed great character in a narrow 1-0 win over Curtorim Gymkhana to move into the final of South Goa McDowell's N0. 1 Yaari Premiere Cup inter village football tournament organised by Cuncolim Union at Government Village School Playground, Cuncolim on Sunday. The winner was scored by Bersel Viegas in the 27th minute.
Sao Jose de Areal started brightly holding the reins in the midfield as Fredric Endro and Agio Antao controlled the play in the middle. The Sao Jose de Areal team midfield had a good shape and they looked the better team.
Curtorim Gymkhana had a good chance to break the deadlock but striker Milagres Fernandes spurned the easiest chance of the day when he had only the rival goalkeeper to beat as he shot wide. Later, James Fernandes' rasping shot was well blocked by Sao Jose de Areal goalkeeper.
Sao Jose de Areal used the width and pace on the flanks as they started probing the Curtorim Gymkhana defence. In the 27th minute, Fredric Endro found Bersel Viegas who stroked a brilliant snap shot with outside of the boot that sailed in the goal at second post with Curtorim Gymkhana goalkeeper Christo
Hilario stranded.
Stung by that setback, Curtorim Gymkhana tried to hit back but Milagres Fernandes shot wide from handshaking distance. Curtorim Gymkhana got two more chances but Milagres and James Fernandes muffed them.
Post resumption, Curtorim Gymkhana responded with a series of raids with Milagres and James troubling the rival defence but lacked the precision in their shots to threaten the Sao Jose de Areal goal.
