TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Hosts Cana-Benaulim Sporting Association edged past Parish Youth Nuvem 5-4 via the sudden-death to clinch the top spot in 37th Cana-Benaulim football tournament organized by Cana-Benaulim Sporting Association at St John de Baptist ground, Benaulim, Sunday.
In an evenly fought encounter, chances were far and few with the defences of the teams not allowing the rival attackers much space to conduct raids. Midway in the opening session, Cana-Benaulim soaked the pressure and survived several anxious moments. Nuvem nearly broke the deadlock when midfielder Remy Colaco unleashed a stiff shot which kissed the crossbar much to the disappointment of the Nuvem supporters.
Post resumption egged on by the home crowd, Cana-Benaulim played with purpose. Strikers Rody Chikoto and Santan Fernandes troubled the rival defence with raids. In the final minutes, Cana-Benaulim piled on the pressure and nearly struck the elusive match-winner but striker Rody Chikoto shot wide from close range much to the disbelief of the Benaulim supporters. With the regulation time ending in a stalemate, the tie-breaker also failed to resolve the issue and Cana-Benaulim had the last laugh in the sudden-death.
In the penalty shoot-out, Santan Fernandes, Xamaro Rodrigues, Rody Chikoto, Vincy Fernandes were on target for hosts Cana-Benaulim while Quetero Pango, Prsely Colaco, Sebyton Colaco converted for Nuvem. In the sudden-death, Domingo Sitabai was successful for Cana-Benaulim while Schubert Colaco failed for Nuvem.
Cana-Benaulim were richer by Rs 40,000 while Nuvem had to settle for Rs 30,000.
Other prizes — Best goalkeeper of the finals: Francis Fernandes (Cana-Benaulim). Best defender of the finals: Vincy Fernandes (Cana-Benaulim). Best player of the finals: Stalin Baptista (Cana-Benaulim). First soccer of the finals: Quetero Pango (PY Nuvem). Best player of the tournament: Meldon Silva (Cana-Benaulim). Best midfielder of the finals: Presley Fernandes (PY Nuvem). Best goalkeeper of the finals: Sugatesh Mandrekar (Cana-Benaulim). Best midfielder of the tournament: Joe Colaco (PY Nuvem). Most promising team: Panchwadi United.
Mickky Pacheco, MLA was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of guest of honour Caitano D’Silva, MLA and special invitees Alvito D’Cunha, Royla Fernandes and Rita Furtado.
Earlier, Royla Fernandes welcomed the guests. Agnelo Fernandes, president of Cana Benaulim Sporting Association proposed the vote of thanks. Babani Bandekar, compered.
In all, 12 teams participated.
