MARGAO: St Anthony SC Assolda stormed into the semifinals of the Franco Gouveia Memorial Tournament with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Cortalim Gymkhana at the DSYA Ground in a tournament organised by St Anthony Club Colva.
Cortalim Gymkhana dominated the opening half with Rollwin Almeida and Joseph Pereira controlling the midfield and dictating the tempo through accurate passing football. Despite creating several scoring opportunities, their forwards failed to convert as the first half ended goalless.
After the break, Cortalim continued to enjoy greater possession and played attacking football, while Assolda struggled to settle into rhythm. However, the game changed in the final quarter when Lisbon Gracias and Succor Fernandes sparked Assolda’s revival with lively attacking moves.
Their efforts paid off when Valentino Carvalho calmly slotted home the winner off a fine assist from Lisbon Gracias.
Cortalim pressed hard for an equaliser in the closing minutes, but the solid defensive duo of Cruz Gomes and Imson Fernandes stood firm, while goalkeeper Allwyn Faria made crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.
Valentino Carvalho was adjudged Man of the Match and received the award from Anthony Leo Fernandes.
