MARGAO
United Club of Verna delivered a commanding performance, defeating Candolim SC 5-0 to secure a spot in the semifinals of the 51st Custodio Memorial Football Tournament.
The match, organized by Raia Sporting Club, unfolded amidst challenging weather conditions at Raia Panchayat ground on Sunday.
Incessant rains posed a significant challenge for both teams, yet it was United Club of Verna who rose to the occasion under the guidance of coach Wilson Fernandes. Right from the outset, Fernandes instructed his players to take shots from distance, a strategy that paid off handsomely as they netted four goals in the first half alone.
Jesloy Moniz emerged as the star of the match for United Club of Verna, scoring two goals, while Clifton Rebello and Stephen Satarkar each added one goal in quick succession in the 10th, 14th, 16th, and 20th minutes respectively. The team's dominance in the early stages set the tone for their commanding victory.
Despite their best efforts, Candolim SC struggled to convert chances, with Sanket Jotkar and Melvin Lobo missing key opportunities in front of a crowd exceeding 1,800 spectators. The rain did little to dampen the spirits of the fans, who witnessed an engaging display of football from both sides.
Jesloy Moniz further solidified United Club of Verna's victory with a fifth goal in the 48th minute. The defensive efforts of United Club of Verna also proved crucial in thwarting Candolim SC's attempts, ensuring a clean sheet for their team.
Following his standout performance, Jesloy Moniz was honoured with the Man of the Match award by Neves Oliveira, a renowned Konkani singer.
