MARGAO
United Club Verna came from behind to secure a spot in the semifinals of the 7th Martin's Cup Football Tournament, defeating Guardian Angel SC 5-4 via a penalty shootout. The match, organized by Betalbatim Sports Club, took place at the Panchayat Ground in Betalbatim on Tuesday.
Guardian Angel were the first to score, taking the lead with an own goal in the 10th minute. United Club Verna quickly responded, equalizing in the 24th minute through Shelton, and the teams went into halftime tied 1-1.
In the second half, Guardian Angel regained the lead in the 42nd minute, with Godwin Fernandes finding the net. However, in the dying moments of the match, Clifton Fernandes scored for United Club Verna, leveling the game and sending it to a penalty shootout.
During the tiebreaker, United Club Verna scored through Savio, Desmond, and Roydon Rego, while Guardian Angel's Rayan and Genito were on target. United Club Verna triumphed 5-4 to secure the win.
Sergio D'cunha, a member of Betalbatim Sports Club, presented the "Man of the Match" award to Clifton Fernandes of United Club Verna.
