They edge Curtorim 8-7 in penalty thriller

Goa Velha: St Savio Sports Club edged out Curtorim Gymkhana 8-7 on penalties in a tense encounter at the 16th London Trophy inter-village football tournament on Sunday. The match, held at the Goa Velha Sports Club ground, was a cagey affair with most of the action happening in the midfield.

The first half offered few chances, but St. Savio broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. A long ball from Colin Siero found Curtorim defender Rhay Dias lacking, and the lurking Fernandes capitalized with a cool finish past goalkeeper Floyd Hilario.

The second half saw St. Savio come close to doubling their lead when Fazel D’Souza’s header clattered off the post after a parry by Hilario. Curtorim Gymkhana finally found their equalizer in the 66th minute. A free kick by Joy Hilario was met by Manuel Castanha’s head, leaving the St. Savio keeper with no chance.

With the scores locked at 1-1 after regulation time, the match went to penalties. The drama unfolded as both teams converted their first five attempts. Curtorim’s Manuel Castanha saw his effort saved by the St. Savio keeper, handing the advantage to their opponents. St. Savio Sports Club held their nerve, converting all seven penalties to secure a dramatic 8-7 victory and a place in the quarterfinals.

St Savio’s Fernandes, who netted the first goal in regulation time, was adjudged Man of the Match by Joy Gonsalves, a former player representing Goa Velha Sports Club.