PANAJI
Bardez Veterans fought hard for a 4-1 tiebreaker win against Calangute Veterans to enter the semifinals of the Fifth Pogo Boys 50+ Veterans Cup at the Merces Church ground, on Thursday.
Tied 2-2 at the end of regulation time, Bardez Veterans held their nerve to come out better shooters in the deciding shootout. Led by former India international Bruno Coutinho, Calangute Veterans took the lead in the very second minute when Augustine Rodrigues tapped in a long throw-in from Coutinho.
However, Bardez Veterans held on and drew level when Raymond Alvares headed in a throw-in from Reggie Rodrigues to march into the half-time break at 1-1.
In the second half, Francis Colaco once again put the Calangute Veterans in the clear in the 40th minute. But as the match headed towards the end, Alexander Fernandes found a gap to squeeze in an equaliser and send the match into a deciding shootout that was comfortably won by Bardez Veterans 4-1.
Bardez Veterans will now await the winners of the second quarte-finals between Morjim Veterans and SAI Veterans scheduled for August 13. In Friday’s quarterfinals, Cavelossim Veterans will cross swords with Vasco Veterans at 5 pm.
