Meliston strike seals finals berth for the winners
Betalbatim: Navelim SC booked their place in the finals with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Curtorim Gymkhana in the first semi-final on Tuesday at the Betalbatim ground.
Curtorim came close early, with Ryan Fernandes hitting the crossbar in the 9th minute. The first half ended goalless despite both teams playing at a brisk pace. The second half saw more attacking intent, but defences held firm until the 65th minute, when Meliston Dias broke the deadlock for Navelim. Curtorim pressed for an equaliser but could not breach Navelim’s backline. At full time, Navelim celebrated a narrow yet decisive victory. Former India international Clifford Miranda presented the Man of the Match award to Navelim’s Sam Pereira.
