United Club Nerul booked their spot in the next round of the Our Lady of Merces 8-a-side Football Tournament with a nail-biting 5-4 win on penalties over Arlem Youth Association, after regulation time ended goalless at the Chinchinim ground.
Despite the scoreline, the match was packed with action. Arlem’s Garisson Fernandes squandered a clear early chance, while Nerul’s defence, led by Melvin Lobo, held firm against relentless pressure. Raju Chopdekar came close for Nerul, but his effort was denied by a fine save from Arlem keeper Yelloy Fernandes.
In the shootout, Nerul held their nerve with successful strikes from Nikhil Naik, Royce Gonsalves, Stanley D’Silva, Siddanth Kalangutkar, and Rajat Chopdekar. Arlem responded through Garisson Fernandes, Silvano Olivera, Sanjiro Pango, Sneddan Vaz, and Yelloy Fernandes, but ultimately fell short.
