MARGAO: Sao Jose de Areal secured their spot in the finals with a narrow 1-0 victory over Fr Agnel Paroda in the 33rd Super Soccer Tournament in memory of Joao Francis Fernandes, organised by United Boys of Dando Colva.
The decisive moment came early, as Alister Monteiro netted a crucial goal in the eighth minute putting Paroda on the defensive. Despite Areal's relentless efforts to extend their lead, the first half concluded with a 1-0 scoreline.
Paroda's downfall was their lacklustre midfield which was plagued by errant passes and missed connections. As the clock ticked down, Paroda ramped up the pressure, launching a barrage of attacks in the final ten minutes. However, Areal's goalkeeper Austin Costa delivered a stellar performance making a series of spectacular saves to preserve their lead. Austin Costa's heroics earned him the Man of the Match title awarded by Doma Fernandes president of UC Benaulim.
