MARGAO
Ambelim Sports Club and Navelim Sporting Club battled to a goalless draw in regulation time, with Navelim Sporting Club ultimately clinching a place in the final via a thrilling tie-breaker in an electrifying semifinal clash of the Anil Kamat Memorial Football Tournament.
The match kicked off with early intent from Ambelim Sports Club, as Michael Silva fired a powerful shot in the fifth minute, brilliantly saved by Navelim Sporting Club goalkeeper Mehboob Hussain. In the eighth minute, Joyson Coutinho of Navelim Sporting Club responded with a shot that went just wide.
In the 14th minute, Prestly Gomes of Navelim Sporting Club took a shot from close range, but Ambelim goalkeeper Ozen Silva came up with a fine save. In a major turning point in the 20th minute, Velon Rebello of Navelim Sporting Club was shown a red card. However, moments later, Ronaldo Pereira of Navelim Sporting Club managed a dangerous shot that was once again denied by Ozen Silva.
Ambelim Sports Club continued to press, with Michael Silva coming close in the 41st minute and forcing another save from Mehboob Hussain in the 46th minute. Ronaldo Pereira missed another opportunity for Navelim Sporting Club in the 49th minute, while Desmond Fernandes of Ambelim Sports Club saw his 52nd-minute effort saved yet again.
At full time, the score remained 0-0, pushing the game into a tense penalty shootout.
In the tie-breaker, Navelim Sporting Club saw successful conversions from Ronaldo Pereira, Venito Costa, Noha Luis, Prestly Gomes, and Myron Gomes. Michael Silva, Velroy Fernandes, Desmond Fernandes, and Rohit Correia found the back of the net for Ambelim Sports Club.
With a final tie-breaker score of 5-4, Navelim Sporting Club emerged victorious and secured their place in the finals.
Despite the loss, Michael Silva of Ambelim Sports Club was awarded Man of the Match for his outstanding performance and continuous attacking efforts throughout the match.
