MARGAO
Macazana Welfare Club edged past United Boys of Ambaulim 7-6 in a nail-biting tie-breaker to secure a berth in the quarter-finals of the 20th Velim Panchayat Cup, organised by the Sports and Welfare Club Zaino Velim, at St Xavier’s Church Ground, Velim, on Friday.
United Boys of Ambaulim’s Alex Fernandes had an early chance to put his team ahead in the 10th minute but failed to convert. Goalkeepers Johnson Bhogot (Macazana Welfare Club) and Ibon Fernandes (United Boys of Ambaulim) were in fine form, pulling off crucial saves to keep their sides in contention.
Macazana Welfare Club broke the deadlock in the 34th minute through a stunning curler from Anselem Fernandes, who found the top corner with precision. United Boys of Ambaulim hit back in the 54th minute, as Soweil Fernandes netted the equaliser to make it 1-1.
With the scores level at full time, the contest moved to the tie-breaker, where Macazana Welfare Club held their composure to clinch a 7-6 victory and advance to the last eight.
Anselem Fernandes (Macazana Welfare Club) was the man of the match and the award was presented by Verna Cardozo, Sarpanch of Velim, in the presence of panch members Simon Fernandes, Tony Fernandes, and Ciena Pinto.
