MARGAO
Carmona Veterans prevailed over the host team Rosary Veterans winning 8-6 in a thrilling penalty shootout to advance to the quarterfinals in the opening match of the 4th Rosary inter-village veterans football tournament, organised by Rosary Veterans, at Laymati Football Ground, on Thursday.
The game began slowly, with both teams finding their rhythm over time.
Rosary Veterans took control early, with Vincent Colaco, Mario Miranda, and Remedios Colaco scoring in the 10th, 15th, and 20th minutes respectively to give Rosary a 3-0 lead at halftime.
After the break, Carmona Veterans came out with renewed energy pushing Rosary's defense hard and creating several chances. Carmona pulled one back in the 31st minute through Neil D'cruz. Rosary responded with a counterattack, but Vincent Colaco missed an opportunity to extend their lead. Carmona then scored two quick goals in the 40th and 45th minutes, courtesy of Agnelo and Charles Rodrigues, leveling the score at 3-3, which led to the match being decided by a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Carmona Veterans converted all five of their attempts, with goals from Yuri Ferrao, Denzil Ferrao, Raju Cardozo, Charles Rodrigues, and Neil D'Cruz. Rosary Veterans managed to score through Vincent Colaco, Piedade Colaco, and Joaquim Colaco, but it wasn’t enough as Carmona emerged victorious.
Earlier, the tournament was officially opened by Fr Dominic Noronha, the Parish Priest of Rosary Church in Davorlim, in the presence of Anthony Colaco, president of Rosary Veterans.
