NT Reporter
Chinchinim
Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club edged out Cuncolim Union 8-7 via tie-breaker in the 26th Our Lady of Merces Cup at Chinchinim Church ground on Monday.
Cuncolim Union looked set to take control after Daulat Dessai’s precise header in the 20th minute put them 1-0 up, and they nearly doubled their lead when Wilson Fernandes missed a golden opportunity from close range early in the second half. Sao Jose de Areal struggled to find openings, with David Colaco’s weak shot comfortably gathered by the goalkeeper, while Bersal Viegas saw his effort sail narrowly over the bar.
Just when it seemed Cuncolim would hold on, Desi Oliveira pounced to slot home the equaliser in the 59th minute, dragging Areal level at 1-1 and sending the clash into a
tense shootout.
In the tie-breaker, Areal proved to be better shooters from the spot with Bersal Viegas, Mohammed Mansuri, Neville Fernandes, Ashwin Travasso, Desi Oliveira, Myron Silva and Platini Andrade converting their kicks. Cuncolim kept pace with successful spot-kicks from Matthew Fernandes, Jollyton Fernandes, Viraj Velip, Wilson Fernandes, Ansh Patel and Shankar Gaunder, but ultimately fell one short as Areal sealed an 8-7 victory.