St Anthony SC Assolda marched into the final of the 52nd Custodio Memorial Football Tournament, organized by the Raia Sporting Association, with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over hosts Raia Sporting Club in the first semifinal played at the Raia Panchayat Ground on Friday. Despite incessant rains, a crowd of over 3,000 spectators gathered to witness an intense encounter between two title contenders, whose spirited performances did not disappoint. The match started with early chances for both sides. Sunny Fernandes of St Anthony SC Assolda came close in the 4th minute, his attempt narrowly missing the target. Raia SC responded with a counterattack by Joyson Gauncar, whose shot flew over the crossbar in the 7th minute. A dangerous effort by Velito Cruz of Raia SC was also pushed away to safety by the Assolda goalkeeper. The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Sheldon Pexito of St Anthony SC Assolda found the back of the net, giving his team a 1-0 lead. The Assolda side then tightened their midfield, cutting off supplies to the Raia strikers and maintaining their advantage into the second half. Raia SC, however, found an equaliser in the 65th minute through a clever move by Joyson Gauncar, making it 1-1 and reigniting hopes for the home side. But St Anthony SC Assolda quickly regained the lead just four minutes later, in the 69th minute, when Frazer Gomes struck the decisive goal to make it 2-1. MMC Councillor Johny Crasto, the chief guest for the match, presented the Man of the Match award to Frazer Gomes of St Anthony SC Assolda for his match-winning performance.
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