MARGAO
Calangute Association stormed into the semifinals of the 52nd Custodio Memorial Football Tournament with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Sao Jose de Areal at the Raia Panchayat Ground on Monday.
The match began with early action from both sides. In the 4th minute, a long-range effort from Mohammad Mansori of Sao Jose de Areal narrowly missed the target, while Sahil Shaikh of Calangute saw his shot fly just wide in the 6th minute.
Sao Jose de Areal struck first, with Stalen Oliveira netting a fine diagonal shot in the 10th minute. The pressure continued, and in the 29th minute, Ashnoy Gomes doubled their lead, giving Areal a 2-0 advantage going into halftime. Calangute’s Richard Cardoso had come close earlier, but his shot was cleared off the line by Bersel Viegas in the 24th minute.
However, the second half saw a transformed Calangute Association side. Ashwyn D’Souza pulled one back in the 42nd minute, followed by an equaliser from Farel D’Souza just four minutes later. Areal tried to regain control, with Ashnoy Gomes unleashing a powerful shot from outside the box, but Calangute’s goalkeeper made a crucial save to push it out for a corner.
The dramatic winner came in the dying moments of the match when Dominic Fernandes fired a stunning 30-yard strike that crashed into the net, sealing the comeback and sending Calangute Association into the semifinals.
Peter Ferrao, former president of Raia Sporting Club, was the chief guest and presented the Man of the Match award to Dominic Fernandes of Calangute Association.
