MARGAO, JULY 11
Sporting Club of Davorlim defeated St Anthony’s Sporting Club, Colva 4-3 via the tie-breaker to emerge champions in 34th Cana Benaulim Football tournament organised by Cana Benaulim Sporting Association in the final at St John Baptist ground, Dando, Benaulim on Sunday. The teams failed to produce a goal during the normal period of play.
St Anthony’s went into the attacking mode right from the word go with forwards Leslie Fernandes, Nelson Gomes combining well with midfielders Clyde Pacheco and Joston Pereira to put the rival goal under tremendous pressure.
At the other end, Davorlim looked lethargic in their build up with their forwards seldom troubling the rival defenders especially in the opening session.
St Anthony’s Nelson Gomes wasted a golden opportunity with only the rival goalkeeper at his mercy as he shot wide after being fed by Clyde Pacheco inside the rival territory.
St Anthony’s nearly broke the deadlock midway in the opening session but Davorlim goalkeeper Joaquim Figuereido was alert in bringing off a superb save to deny Joston Pereira a sure goal.
Davorlim who were a subdued lot in the first half attacked with rewened vigour after the break. They were unlucky not to get the match-winner when Rosebud Gomes goal-bound shot beat Colva goalkeeper Joao Falcao but defender John Baretto effected a goalline save.
With the match heading for tie-breaker, St Anthony’s missed a golden opportunity when striker Leslie Fernandes muffed a sitter off Jostom Pereira.
Sporting Club of Davorlim were richer by Rs 30,000 plus a trophy while St Anthony’s Sporting Club had to be content with Rs 25,000 plus a trophy.
Following individual prizes were awarded: First goal of the final Nelson Gomes of St Anthony’s. Best disciplined team Parish, Nuvem. Best defender of the tournament Desmond Fernandes of Betalbatim Sporting Club. Best goalkeeper of the final Joaquim Orkay Figuereido of Davorlim. Best half of the tournament Carlos Fernandes of Cana Benaulim Sporting Association. Best player of the final Venson Figuereido of Sporting Club of Davorlim. Best defender of the final Herculano Costa of St Anthony’s. Upcoming player of Benaulim village Polvin D’Silva of Cana Benaulim Sporting Association.
Earlier, MP Francisco Sardinha felicitated Caetano Goes and Sebastiao Carvalho who were the recipents of Kala Academy awards.
Sardinha was the chief guest and gave away the prizes. Camilson Fernandes, social worker was the guest of honour. Agnelo Fernandes, president of Cana Benaulim Sporting Association welcomed. Joseph Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks. The function was compered by Babani Bandekar.
In all, 16 teams participated.
