MARGAO
United Club Fatorda Veterans edged past Bardez Veterans 2-1 to enter the last four of the 16th V M Salgaocar Memorial Veterans Soccer at St John the Baptist ground, Dando, Benaulim on Tuesday.
Fatorda made a dazzling start to shock their more illustrious rivals with a goal in the second minute itself. Midfielder Agnelo Gomes picked out an unmarked Vincent Barboza who made no mistake in beating Bardez goalkeeper Jude Fernandes with a right-footed drive. The shocked former winners fell into further arrears eight minutes later when defender Agnelo Araujo found striker Mithun Carvalho with a neat pass and the latter outran rival defender Agostine Rodrigues and shot past a helpless Jude.
After change of ends, Bardez were a dominant side and made a lot of attacking forays through their striker, former India captain Bruno Coutinho, and were rewarded for their efforts when defender Mohan Parab headed in Alwyn Fernandes's flag kick, outplaying his marker Manuel Moniz to set up a thrilling finish. Bardez pushed forward for an equaliser but Fatorda defended well.
Earlier, chief guest Viola D'Costa, Sarpanch, Cavelossim VP and former Sarpanch of Carmona VP, Lavita Dias were introduced to the players by Organising Committee chairman Trevor Fernandes and Joint Organising secretary Remediuos Ferrao.
