MARGAO: United Boys Ambaulim secured a place in the next round of the 47th Cana-Benaulim Soccer Tournament after defeating Curtorim Gymkhana 5-3 in a penalty shootout following a hard-fought 1-1 draw at the St John the Baptist Panchayat Ground, Dando, Benaulim.
Curtorim Gymkhana made a bright start and took the lead in the 10th minute through Joywin Carneiro, who finished neatly to put his side ahead. The early setback spurred Ambaulim into action as Sowell and Teron Fernandes began controlling the midfield and creating opportunities in search of an equaliser.
Their efforts were rewarded just before the interval when Crimson capitalised on a goalkeeping error to score the leveller, ensuring the teams went into half-time tied at 1-1.
With neither side able to find a decisive goal in regulation time, the match was settled through a penalty shootout.
Ambaulim held their nerve from the spot, converting their penalties with confidence to emerge 5-3 winners and book their place in the next round.
Ibon Fernandes was adjudged Man of the Match. The award was presented by Mathew Fernandes, General Secretary of Sporting Club Cana-Benaulim.
