PANAJI
Sao Jose de Areal edged past United Club of Verna in a dramatic penalty shootout after a tense 1“1 stalemate in regulation time in the 24th Fr Basilio Andrade Memorial Football Tournament at Musson ground, Majorda.
Sao Jose de Areal began on the front foot as David Colaco pressed high, forcing a defensive error, but his shot flew wide. Verna responded immediately through Ajoy Satukar, whose through ball broke Sao Jose de Areal’s defence and found Roydon Rego, though he failed to control it. The end-to-end tempo continued as Josley Gomes of Sao Jose de Areal cleverly turned past a player in midfield and played a fantastic ball to Joston Fernandes, but his first-time shot rose over the bar.
Verna created several chances, with Milton Fernandes’s backheel setting up Roydon Rego, but again, the finish was lacking. Meclcito D’Costa threatened down the right, only for Astroy Costa to deny him. Verna’s best opportunity came when Rego rounded the keeper but delayed his shot, allowing Astroy to recover brilliantly.
After a goalless first half, Sao Jose de Areal struck first when David Colaco powered home a fine effort off the far post. However, a handball in the box handed Verna a lifeline, and Joasle Fernandes coolly converted the penalty to make it 1“1. Verna nearly snatched the win late on, but Rego’s volley and Meclcito’s cross went a begging. Sao Jose de Areal almost stole it too, as Monty Valadares’ strike rattled the crossbar in the dying moments.
With nothing to separate the sides, the match went to penalties. Sao Jose de Areal held their nerve, and David Colaco’s powerful spot-kick in sudden death sealed a memorable win, sending Sao Jose de Areal into the next round in dramatic fashion.
