MARGAO: USC Seraulim overcame a spirited fightback from Ambelim SC to secure a place in the semifinals of the 35th Super Soccer Tournament, prevailing 6-4 in the penalty shootout after an entertaining 2-2 draw at the St John the Baptist Dando Panchayat Ground, Benaulim.
Ambelim made an explosive start, taking the lead through Asfin Pinto, who rifled a powerful long-range effort into the net in the opening minutes. Seraulim gradually found their rhythm and drew level in the 16th minute when Jesus Ferrao finished off a pinpoint cross from Prosen Mondal. Ferrao struck again before halftime, clinically converting a pass from Alden Fernandes to give Seraulim a 2-1 advantage at the interval.
Reduced to 10 men in the second half, Seraulim came under sustained pressure as Ambelim dominated possession and attacked with intent. Midfielders Bosco Fernandes and Loyd Simoes dictated the tempo, and their persistence was rewarded in the 40th minute when Bleston Simoes slotted home the equaliser to make it 2-2.
Neither side could break the deadlock in the closing stages, forcing the contest into a penalty shootout. Seraulim held their nerve from the spot, converting their chances with confidence to clinch a 6-4 victory and advance to the last four.
Jesus Ferrao was named Man of the Match. The award was presented by former India international Markus Carvalho.
