PANAJI: Nerul SC booked their place in the semi-finals of 39th Custodio memorial football tournament defeating holders Parish Youth Nuvem 5-2 in the tie-breaker.

Despite making some destructive moves both sides failed to score in the first half. Nuvem took the lead in the second half as they were helped by a defensive error by Mukund. Mukund intercepted a Joe Colaco cross and back passed it to his keeper seeing the Nuvem forward breathing down his neck. But the poor connection saw the ball cross the goalline as the goalie failed to keep it out.    
Nerul, however, soon got the equaliser after a sustained wave of attacks. A high lob landed just inside a crowded goal area and Janifar Clement rose high to head the ball home in.
The pace of the game increased thereafter and Nuvem had many opportunities to get the winner but slow thinking and pace denied them the lead. The teams scrambled for the goal but could not penetrate forward. The long whistle left the teams to try their luck in the penalty shootout where Nerul kept their nerves to slot home four times while Nuvem managed only one strike.
Nerul will now face Raia Sporting in the second semi-final on July 25 while Navelim Sporting lock horns with United Club of Saligao on July 24 in the first semi-final.