Goa Velha: Betalbatim Sporting Club tore past Chandor Club 4-2 to secure their place in the final of the 16th London Trophy inter-village football tournament in an encounter at the Goa Velha Sports Club ground on Sunday. Selroy Fernandes netted a brace while Malcolm Fernandes and Dickson Rogtao managed one each for the winners.

They now face Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda in the final.

Both teams came out firing on all cylinders, Chandor’s attacking duo of Sildon Peixoto and Rizbon Fernandes and Betalbatim SC creating several early chances.

Betalbatim SC missed a chance to take the lead when Mackinley Cunha headed over the crossbar from close off an Oliver D’Souza corner, while Sildon Peixoto of Chandor Club shot over the Betalbatim goal from close range. Joaquim Carvalho of Chandor Club saw his tame effort easily saved by the Betalbatim SC keeper Alwyn Faria.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 39th minute by Betalbatim’s Selroy Fernandes, but their celebrations were short-lived as an own goal by Didymus Antao restored parity for Chandor moments later.

The second half saw a quick turnaround as Rizbon Fernandes put Chandor ahead in the 55th minute. However, their lead was again fleeting as Dickson Rogtao equalized for Betalbatim just two minutes later.

Betalbatim then seized control, with Selroy Fernandes grabbing his second goal two minutes after the equalizer. Malcolm Fernandes put the icing on the cake in the 62nd minute, tapping home an Oliver D’Souza cross to seal the 4-2 win for Betalbatim.

For his impactful performance, Malcolm Fernandes was named Man of the Match by Romeo Souza, a member of the Goa Velha Sports Club based in the UK.

Betalbatim Sporting Club will now face Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda, in the tournament final after they edged out defending champions Nerul Sports Club 1-0 in the other semi-final clash.