MARGAO
In a fiercely contested encounter at the 23rd All Goa Veterans Football Tournament, organised by the Flame of Unity Sports Club, Jose Cookies Veterans, Loutolim edged past Vasco Veterans 5“4 in a dramatic penalty shootout after both sides were locked in a goalless draw at the end of regulation time.
The first half saw Vasco Veterans dominate possession and dictate the pace of the game. Sheikh Niazi and Nelson Landez orchestrated several attacking moves, putting pressure on the Loutolim defence. However, despite creating promising chances, Vasco failed to find the back of the net, as Loutolim's backline held firm under sustained pressure.
After the break, the momentum shifted as Loutolim grew into the contest. Sukhada’s Aravde and Claudio Dias posed a constant threat with their pace and precise movement, testing Vasco's defence with a series of dangerous attempts. Yet, much like the first half, the match remained evenly poised, with neither side able to break the deadlock before the final whistle.
With the scoreline still 0“0, the match headed into a tense penalty shootout. Loutolim showed greater composure under pressure, converting all but one of their spot-kicks to clinch a 5“4 victory, booking their place in the next round of the tournament.
