MARGAO
Navelim Sporting Club edged past Sporting Club Davorlim 8-7 in a dramatic penalty shootout, following a gripping 1-1 draw in regulation time in a thrilling semifinal clash of the Benaulim Villagers Cup held at the St John the Baptist Panchayat Ground, .
Navelim took early control, with Ronaldo and Joyson dictating play from the midfield. Their dominance paid off in the 28th minute when Joyson unleashed a powerful strike that left the Davorlim goalkeeper with no chance.
However, Davorlim came out fighting in the second half. Led by Alent and Prince Figueredo, they turned the momentum and applied sustained pressure. Their efforts bore fruit in the 54th minute as Ajay Raj slotted home the equaliser, setting the stage for a tense finish.
Both teams pushed hard for a winner in the dying minutes, but Navelim goalkeeper Selvin Gomes produced a series of heroic saves to keep his side in the game.
In the ensuing tie-breaker, it was Navelim who held their nerve, converting their chances with clinical precision to seal an 8-7 victory and book their place in the final.
