MARGAO: St Sebastian Youth Club Murida clinched a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Fr. Agnelo Y.S.C. Paroda to advance to the quarter-finals of the 23rd Fr. Basilio Andrade Memorial Football Tournament at Musson Ground, Majorda.
Murida took an early lead when Elroy's left-footed shot from inside the box took a deflection off Salvin Fernandes, wrong-footing Paroda’s goalkeeper Mackroy. Determined to respond, Salvin attempted a long-range effort, but Murida’s goalkeeper Glen made the save. Paroda’s Clifton Fernandes set up Nikhil on the left, but his long-range shot went off target. Nikhil had another chance with a header from a tight angle, only to be denied by the post.
Savio Vales of Paroda made a strong run, dribbling past several Murida defenders, but Glen was there to save his shot. After a foul on Savio during an attempt to head the rebound, Clifton Fernandes converted the resulting indirect free-kick to level the match at 1-1.
With the momentum shifting, Savio had a golden opportunity to give Paroda the lead, but Glen was alert once again and made a crucial save. On the other end, Edison Dias passed to Charles Miranda inside the Paroda penalty area, but Charles shot over the bar.
Murida regained their advantage through Elroy Barreto, who seized on a misplaced pass, received the ball on the left, and shot past a diving Mackroy to make it 2-1.
In the closing moments, Salvin Fernandes came close to equalizing for Paroda with a header from a corner that went just inches over the bar, sealing a narrow but well-deserved victory for St. Sebastian Youth Club Murida.
