MARGAO
Hosts United Club of Verna advanced to the semifinals of the 2nd Late Fernando Abranches Memorial Trophy after defeating Betalbatim Sporting Club 5–2 in the tiebreaker at the Village Panchayat ground, Verna, on Friday.
The match began at a slow tempo, with both teams creating chances. UC Verna’s Roydon Rego missed an early opportunity in the 10th minute, while Betalbatim’s Manushawn Fernandes came close with a long-range effort that struck the crossbar in the 20th minute. Clifton Rego’s solo run also went unrewarded, and the teams were locked 0–0 at halftime.
After the break, UC Verna took the lead through Roydon Rego in the 43rd minute. Betalbatim responded when Manushawn Fernandes equalised in the 51st minute, forcing the match into a tiebreaker after a 1–1 draw in regulation time.
In the tiebreaker, Fulzacio Cardozo, Joasle Fernandes, Hilton Fernandes and Arfon Sayed converted for UC Verna, while only Ashley Fernandes scored for Betalbatim.
Manushawn Fernandes of Betalbatim was named Man of the Match, with the award presented by UC Verna treasurer Marcus Faria.
