MARGAO
Don Bosco Oratory and United Club of Verna played out an intense 1-1 draw in regular time, with Verna eventually prevailing 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout in the 4th Betalbatim Villagers Cup 2025, organised by Betalbatim Sports Club.
Don Bosco Oratory took an early lead in the 10th minute when Rishanh Karapurkar capitalised on a goalkeeping error, calmly tapping in after the Verna custodian misjudged a routine ball.
Despite falling behind, Verna steadily grew into the game, creating several chances but failing to convert. The first half ended 1-0 in Don Bosco’s favour.
In the second half, Don Bosco nearly doubled their lead in the 19th minute, but Hanslem Furtado’s shot went narrowly wide. Verna missed a golden opportunity to equalise when they failed to convert a penalty in the 30th minute. However, they finally found the breakthrough in the 34th minute, with Mecklito D'Costa slotting home the equaliser.
With the score tied at 1-1 after full time, the match moved into a penalty shootout. Verna held their nerve to edge Don Bosco 5-4.
Despite the loss, Don Bosco’s goalkeeper Karol Soares was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance between the posts.
