MARGAO: ABC Sports Club Arambol edged past a spirited Betalbatim Sporting Club 5-4 in a dramatic penalty shootout after the match ended 2-2 in regulation time, securing their spot in the semifinals of the 46th Cana Benaulim Soccer Championship, at the Benaulim Panchayat Ground.
The North Goa side began the game with intent, driven by the creativity of midfield engine Daniel D’Mello. However, it was Betalbatim who drew first blood, with Brenson capitalising on a goalkeeping error to slot home in the 23rd minute, giving his side a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Arambol responded strongly in the second half. Preston equalised in the 35th minute with a clinical finish, and five minutes later, Pranesh Asvenkar headed in from a rebound to complete a quick turnaround and put Arambol 2-1 ahead.
Just when it seemed like Arambol would close out the match, Betalbatim’s Aniston produced a moment of brilliance with a solo effort to level the score and force a tiebreaker.
In the nail-biting penalty shootout, Betalbatim’s Klusner and Aniston found the net, but it was Arambol who held their nerve — Sanford, Manuel, and the composed Myson converting their spot-kicks to seal a memorable victory.
