MARGAO: Raia Sporting Club advanced to the quarterfinals of the 23rd Fr. Basilio Andrade Memorial Tournament with a solid 2-0 win against Ambelim Sports Club at Musson Ground, Majorda.
The first half saw both teams create numerous scoring chances, but neither could find the back of the net. Ambelim was the first to threaten, with Semson Fernandes shooting just wide from outside the box. Raia quickly responded when Airen Dias received a cross from the right, but his attempt was saved by Ambelim's goalkeeper, Shenoy Fernandes. The rebound fell to Rivo Borges, who missed the target by hitting the side netting.
Shenoy continued to perform admirably, denying both Achilles Fernandes and Airen Dias in quick succession during one-on-one situations. Semson Fernandes had another chance for Ambelim, but his weak shot was comfortably saved by Raia’s custodian, Floyd Pereira.
In the second half, Ambelim started strong, with Semson setting up Arvind Fernandes, whose shot went just wide of the far post. Velroy Rebello also had a chance but shot over the bar after evading a challenge.
Raia finally broke the deadlock when Rivo Borges combined with Jouston Barbosa, slotting the ball past the advancing Shenoy. Moments later, Jouston Barbosa doubled Raia's lead, skillfully dribbling past Velroy Fernandes and the goalkeeper before calmly finishing into the net.
Ambelim had an opportunity to pull one back when Velroy Fernandes found himself one-on-one with Floyd Pereira, but the goalkeeper stood firm to maintain his clean sheet.
