MARGAO
Sporting Club Davorlim booked their place in the semifinals of the 20th Super Soccer Tournament with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Navelim Villagers Union at the St John the Baptist ground, Dando, Benaulim.
Despite dominating large spells of the contest, Navelim paid the price for a series of missed opportunities. Their wastefulness was evident as early as the second minute when Mark Gomes blazed over from close range after being set up by Richard Costa. Ten minutes later, Julius Dias failed to connect with a dangerous cross from Saniton Costa as Davorlim survived another scare.
Davorlim's defence, marshalled by Selwyn Miranda and Jerry Miranda, stood firm under relentless pressure, while goalkeeper Amey Govekar produced a string of courageous saves to keep the scores level at the break.
Navelim continued to squander chances after the restart, with Mark Gomes firing wide after being picked out by Aden Pereira inside the penalty area.
The decisive moment arrived in the 51st minute against the run of play. Prince Figuereido launched a swift move before Vellroy Colaco delivered an inviting cross into the box. Milton Colaco shrugged off the attention of defenders Selwyn Gomes and Venito Costa to stab the ball into the net and hand Davorlim the lead.
Navelim searched desperately for an equaliser but failed to find the finishing touch, with Julius Ferrao blasting over the crossbar in the dying moments.
Milton Colaco was named Man of the Match, with the award presented by former Benaulim goalkeeper Amilcar "Babush" Pereira.
