MARGAO
Saligao United stormed into the quarterfinals of the 1st Vedanta Trophy, defeating Xetrapal Sports Club 4-1 in a commanding performance at the Sinquerim Sports Club ground. The tournament is being organised by Sinquerim Sports Club.
The first half saw a tactical battle, with both teams sizing each other up and neither able to break the deadlock, heading into the break at 0-0.
Saligao United returned to the pitch with renewed intensity. Abu Saliatt opened the scoring in the 35th minute, setting the tone for the second half. Just three minutes later, former Dempo SC midfielder Latesh Mandrekar doubled the lead with a fine finish.
Mandrekar was in top form, scoring again in the 47th minute to complete his brace and extend Saligao's lead to 3-0. Two minutes later, Soham Shetikar added a fourth goal, putting the result beyond doubt.
Chandrakant Shirodkar, pulled one back in the 60th minute to reduce the deficit, but it was too little, too late for Xetrapal SC.
