Host Arlem Youth Association secured a narrow 3-2 win over CAC Cansaulim to book their place in the quarterfinals of the 33rd Arlem Rolling Trophy Inter-Village Football Tournament, played at the Raia Panchayat ground on Wednesday.
Both teams began the match at a fast pace. CAC Cansaulim took an early lead in the 7th minute when Agnelo D’Souza tapped the ball into the far corner of the net. Arlem Youth Association equalised in the 21st minute through Velroy Borges. Six minutes later, in the 27th minute, Arlem made it 2-1 when Sweden Barbosa beat the rival goalkeeper, giving AYA a lead going into half time.
In the second half, Cansaulim put pressure on the Arlem defence and earned a penalty. However, Agnelo D’Souza’s shot was saved by the Arlem Youth goalkeeper. In the 40th minute, Arlem extended their lead through Roy Colaco. Cansaulim managed to reduce the margin in the final quarter through Rio Rodrigues after a defensive lapse, but Arlem held on to win the match 3-2.
Velroy Borges of Arlem Youth Association was awarded the Man of the Match by Jerome Colaco, President of Arlem Youth Association.
