MARGAO
Sao Jose de Areal edged out a spirited Navelim Sporting Club 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout to claim victory in the opening match of the 46th Cana Benaulim Soccer Championship 2025, organized by Sporting Club of Cana Benaulim.
Despite starting the game with just nine players, Navelim displayed remarkable discipline and resilience, holding Areal to a goalless first half with a compact and determined defensive structure. Central defenders Joyson and Roven led by example, frustrating Areal’s attack with a series of crucial blocks and interceptions.
After the break, Areal switched to an aggressive three-man forward line, seeking to capitalize on their numerical advantage. However, poor finishing and a lack of composure in front of goal meant they failed to break the deadlock. Navelim’s understrength side continued to defy the odds, dragging the game into a penalty shootout.
In the end, Sao Jose de Areal held their nerve from the spot to seal a nail-biting 5-4 win, surviving a major scare from a gallant Navelim outfit that earned widespread admiration for their fighting spirit.
