MARGAO: Navelim Sporting entered the semi-finals of Custodio Memorial football tournament when they downed strong contenders Sao Jose de Areal 2-1 in the quarter-finals played at panchayat grounds, Raia on Sunday. There was no score in the first half of play.

Navelim went into the lead in the 46th minute through Rovan Gomes when he connected a nice pass from A Ajio, and soon after they increased the lead as Alister Gomes ran solo and unleashed a powerful shot to beat the Areal keeper Francis Fernandes hollow.

Sao Jose de Areal however came back strongly and reduced the margin through Aswin Travaso whose long-range shot gave no chance at all to the Navelim keeper Alroy Rodrigues. NT

Even though Areal then tried to find the equaliser, Navelim lads blocked all their moves. Navelim Sporting will now meet the winners of other quarter-finals to be played between Curtorim Gymkhana and Sangolda Lightning on July 19.