MARGAO
Sao Jose de Areal pulled off a thrilling come-from-behind 5-3 victory over Benfica Youth Club in a dramatic encounter at the Our Lady of Merces 8-a-side Football Tournament, organized by Sirlim Sports Club.
Benfica started strongly, with Edson Souza opening the scoring as early as the 3rd minute. Clinton Mascarenhas doubled the lead in the 8th minute with a precise finish, putting Areal under early pressure.
However, the game took a sharp turn after a goalkeeping error from Benfica allowed Bersel Viegas to slot home Areal’s first in the 25th minute. Viegas quickly added a second, leveling the score at 2-2 and breathing life into the contest. Just before the break, Johnson Horta restored Benfica’s lead in the 30th minute, making it 3-2 at halftime.
Earlier, Sidney Lucas had nearly extended Benfica’s lead with a thunderous strike that rattled the post. He also set up a brilliant cross that led to Horta’s goal, suggesting Benfica were back in control.
But Areal emerged with renewed purpose in the second half. David Colaco netted the equalizer in the 32nd minute, and in the 46th minute, Viegas completed a superb hat-trick to give Areal the lead for the first time in the match. Desi Olivera then sealed the comeback win in the 60th minute, making it 5-3 in Areal’s favor.
