MARGAO: Betalbatim Sporting Club came back twice to post a thrilling 3-2 victory over Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda to enter the quarter-finals of the Cana-Benaulim soccer tournament organised by Cana Benaulim Sporting Association and played at St John Baptist grouinds Dando Benaulim on
Sunday.

Both the teams started on a fast pace attacking each other’s citadel using the flanks and it was Don Bosco which ultimately took the lead in the 17th minute when defender Michael Faleiro’s rasping drive struck the crosspiece and the rebound was quickly swept in by striker Vincent Dias from inside the box.

Betalbatim despite conceding never lost their momentum and striker Danzil Rogtao got the equaliser executing a bicycle kick following a long throw in by Cajie Fernandes.

Six minutes after resumption Don Bosco soon surged ahead as Cliff Baretto found an unmarked Joel Camara inside the box who made no mistake in finding the net with a right footer to make the score 2-1 but the joy was short lived with Betalbatim restoring parity through striker Luis Rogtao who capitalised on a defensive lapse to beat rival keeper Agnelo with a low drive.

Betalbatim after tasting success were more forceful in their attacks and in the 57th minute winger Haysten D’ Costa latched on to a pass by Joe Max and fired a right footer which jostled into the nylons.

Thereafter, Don Bosco tried their best to wipe of the deficit but rival keeper Jeronimo Fernandes brought off two splendid saves to deny Francis Andrade and Charlton Fernandes. Don Bosco blew away a golden opportunity at the fag end of the match when defender Mahdev Talwar blasted wide a
spot kick.