PANAJI: In the 1st semi-finals played on Saturday Navelim defeated United Club of Saligao 2-1 to book a place in the finals scheduled on August 5.

Navelim started with quick crisp passing rolling the ball in quick succession toward the United Club citadel but Saligao goalkeeper Deetmar denied them any breakthrough.  Both teams relied on long aerial clearances which kept the agile goalkeepers on their toes, punching the ball away each time. Pravin Jadavs scorcher from close range in the 21st minute was deftly deflected out by Navelim keeper, Cleto Baretto. Immediately in the 22nd minute, United made another raid which earned them a corner. The perfect corner kick taken saw Mahesh Rane dart in to nod the ball into the goal giving them a 1-0 lead.
The teams crossed over with United leading by 1-0. However, a heavy downpour during the second session slowed down the game with players attempting sliding tackles which earned the rivals fouls and yellow cards. 
In spite of overwhelming possession, Navelim could not convert a goal and were frantic to get an equaliser.  But soon Sanford, the star forward of Navelim, latched on to the ball and lashed a stunning shot which the ever-agile keeper Deetmar failed to stop, making it 1-1.  With the score at 1-1 both teams were eager to move ahead and march towards the finals.
In the 58th minute Navelim earned a free kick 30 yards away from the goal. The kick was taken by the most reliable player Sanford who made sure he packed power behind the shot and Tyson jumped into the air to head the ball. To his utter dismay he headed the ball into his own goal, which otherwise could have been easily collected by the hawk eyed keeper Deeetmar.  Navelim were now up 2-1. 
As the clock ticked down, United made some forays deep into the Navelim fort and it appeared that they would restore parity.  Navelim realising the danger fell back in numbers. United earned a corner in the 60 minute but a well-timed kick from the corner landed in goalkeeper area, and Cleto under the bar saved the day for Navelim to ensure that they appear in the finals on August 5.