MARGAO
In a nail-biting finish at the Chandor ground on Thursday, United Club of Verna narrowly defeated Navelim Sporting Club 7-6 in a tiebreaker to advance to the quarterfinals of the 49th Seamen Football Tournament. The match attracted a lively crowd of around 2,000 spectators.
Both teams delivered impressive performances throughout the match. Clive Fernandes of United Club of Verna and Ronaldo Pereira of Navelim Sporting Club were standout players for their respective sides. Fernandes took a long-range shot in the 12th minute that narrowly missed the target, while Velington Almeida of Navelim Sporting Club saw his powerful effort sail over the crossbar.
Despite determined efforts from both Fernandes and Pereira to break the deadlock, the defences of both teams held firm, and the match remained goalless at halftime.
In the 40th minute, United Club of Verna’s Clifton Rebello had a promising chance, but his shot was denied by the post. Pereira also had a near-miss in the 50th minute when his solo effort struck the goalpost.
With neither team able to score during regular play, the match proceeded to a tiebreaker. United Club of Verna emerged victorious in the penalty shootout, showcasing superior accuracy and composure to secure their place in the quarterfinals.
