MARGAO: A second-half strike by Victorino Fernandes was enough to send St. Anthony Assolda into the final of the 14th Our Lady of Fatima Cup 2025, organised by Dicarpale Sports Club, as they edged past Arlem Youth Association 1“0 in the semifinal played at the Dicarpale ground on Monday.
The match began at a lively pace, with Assolda’s Fhezer Gomes testing the Arlem defence early with a shot from inside the box in the 10th minute, but failing to convert. Arlem came close to scoring before the break when Oilex Oliveira dribbled past the Assolda backline and unleashed a powerful strike, which was punched away by goalkeeper Oswin Rodrigues. The teams went into halftime locked at 0“0.
The second half saw both teams push for a breakthrough. Arlem’s Shendon Vaz set up Ancel with a brilliant through pass in the 40th minute, but the latter failed to tap in. Just minutes later, Assolda capitalised on a quick counter. Fhezer Gomes delivered a precise cross to Victorino Fernandes, who slotted home confidently in the 43rd minute to give his side the lead.
Arlem almost found the equaliser in the dying moments, as a thunderous shot from Olvan Vaz struck the crossbar and went out of play. Referee Mario Pereira blew the final whistle soon after, confirming Assolda’s place in the final.
Victorino Fernandes of St. Anthony Assolda was named Man of the Match, with the award presented by Sandip Tuyekar.
