RAIA: Hosts Raia Sporting Club produced a stunning comeback performance to defeat Dramapur SC 5-3 in a goal-laden encounter and secure their place in the quarterfinals of the 52nd Custodio Memorial Football Tournament, played at the Raia Panchayat Ground.
The crowd was treated to a pulsating contest as the match saw momentum swing wildly between both sides. Raia drew first blood in the 3rd minute through Garrison Fernandes, who latched onto a loose ball and slotted it past the Dramapur goalkeeper to give the hosts an early lead.
Dramapur, however, regrouped and found the equaliser in the 20th minute through Velrose, who calmly slotted home from inside the box. The two sides entered the break locked at 1-1, with both showing glimpses of attacking flair.
The second half began with high intensity. In the 38th minute, Leran Dias restored Raia’s lead with a brilliant header that crashed into the back of the net. But Dramapur refused to back down—Om Raikar levelled the score once again in the 42nd minute with a clinical finish.
The visitors then took the lead for the first time in the 44th minute, when Sario Gomes beat the Raia goalkeeper with a well-placed strike to make it 3-2 in Dramapur’s favour.
Raia responded with urgency, and their efforts paid off in the 47th minute, as Jhonson Gaukar fired in the equaliser to make it 3-3, setting up a thrilling finale.
The turning point came in the 63rd minute, when Raia was awarded a penalty after a foul on their forward inside the box. Achilles Fernandes stepped up and made no mistake, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Raia a 4-3 lead.
In injury time (70+5), substitute Oilex Oliveira sealed the win with a smart finish, bringing the scoreline to 5-3 and putting the game beyond Dramapur’s reach.
Allen Fernandes of Raia Sporting Club was named Man of the Match for his all-round performance. The award was presented by Peter Quadros, ex-sarpanch and current Panch of VP Raia.
With this thrilling victory, Raia Sporting Club moves into the quarterfinals with strong momentum and home support behind them.
