MARGAO
Santa Cruz Poitamado secured a surprising 5-4 victory over Ambelim SC via a tie-breaker to advance to the quarterfinals of the Cavelossim Panchayat Cup Football Tournament, organized by Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim at the Fr. Druston and Wellington Ground, Cavelossim.
Ambelim took the lead in the 10th minute when Asfin Pinto latched onto a through pass from Arvind Fernandes and scored from a tight angle, putting them ahead 1-0. They could have doubled their advantage soon after when Pinto's powerful shot from outside the box hit the crossbar.
Santa Cruz Poitamado fought back strongly, earning two successive corners. From one of these, Hagan Diniz delivered a precise ball into the box, which was met by tall Makario Fernandes, who headed the ball into the net to level the score at 1-1.
In the second half, both teams pushed for the lead. Ambelim had a golden opportunity when Blasco Fernandes fired a shot from 40 yards out, but keeper Gaonkar blocked it, and the rebound fell to Samson Fernandes. His first-time shot was also saved by Gaonkar, preventing Ambelim from taking the lead.
The match proceeded to a tiebreaker, where Santa Cruz Poitamado triumphed. Mathew Fernandes, Ansh Peter, Viraj Velip, Rowan Gaonkar, and Shanka Gaonkar all converted their penalties. For Ambelim, Velroy, Michael, Roswin, and Lester scored, but Ben Fernandes' shot was blocked by Gaonkar, sending Santa Cruz Poitamado through to the quarterfinals.
Asfin Pinto of Ambelim SC was named Man of the Match, an award presented by the Chief Guest, Carmo Rodrigues, Purchase Manager at Novotel, Cavelossim.
