Team Goemkarponn
Betalbatim: Curtorim Gymkhana battled their way into the semifinals of the 4th Betalbatim Villagers Cup, organised by Betalbatim Sporting Club, with a gritty 2–1 victory over Raia Sporting Club at the Betalbatim Panchayat ground.
Raia Sporting took an early lead in the 12th minute after their forward was brought down inside the box by Curtorim goalkeeper Prakash Jhosi. Garrison Fernandes made no mistake from the spot, calmly converting the penalty to put Raia ahead. Curtorim had a golden chance to equalise before the break, but Ryan Fernandes’ powerful strike rattled the crossbar and went out of play, leaving Raia 1–0 up at halftime.
After the change of ends, Curtorim Gymkhana came out with renewed intent and applied sustained pressure. Their efforts paid off in the 44th minute when Joywin Carneiro netted the equaliser. Raia nearly regained the lead in the 52nd minute, but Garrison’s attempt sailed off target.
Curtorim completed their comeback in the 57th minute when Ryan Fernandes capitalised on a goalkeeping error by Raia to score what proved to be the match-winner.
Joywin Carneiro of Curtorim Gymkhana was adjudged Man of the Match and received the award from GFA executive member Andrew Ferrao.
