PANJIM: Aulon Gomes scored when needed most as Navelim Villagers Union edged past a spirited Ambelim Sports Club 2-1 to lift the 10th London Trophy All-Goa Inter-Village Football tournament, organized by Goa Velha Sports Club, at Goa Velha SC ground, on Tuesday. The teams were locked 1-1 at the lemon break.
The final witnessed two South Goa giants with an eye on the coveted title. Ambelim in white jersey started all guns blazing as Niall Cardozo saw his effort blocked by the rival custodian.
At the other end, Aldrich Coelho put his pace to outsmart the rival defence. The young striker came close to scoring but fired over the crossbar on two occasions.
Finally, in the 19th minute, Semson Fernandes put Ambelim ahead with a deft placement, much to the cheers of their supporters.
Stung by the setback, Navelim regrouped in the midfield and created some promising moves. Their hard work paid off before the break when Ambelim custodian failed to collect a floater by Jason which fell for Sandy Colaco for an easy close range tap in.
With the vociferous crowd, Navelim took the lead in the second half as Aulon Gomes cleverly chipped over onrushing keeper Benny Silva.
Auvlon could have secured his brace in the final quarter of the match but shot agonizingly wide from an ideal position after being set up by striking partner Aldrich.
The teams provided end-to-end action in the dying minutes but Navelim held on to their slender lead.
The winners were awarded Rs 80,000 and a trophy while the runners-up had to be content with Rs 60,000 and a trophy.
Individual prizes were awarded to Best defender: Alvito Colaco (Navelim), Best midfielder: Donald Rocha (Ambelim), Best forward: Semson Fernandes (Ambelim), Man-of-the-Match: Auvlon Gomes (Navelim) and Best goalkeeper: Cleton Gomes (Navelim).
Chief guest Sandip Jacques, SAG’s Executive Director gave away the prizes in the presence of guest of honour Fr Emidio Pinto, parish priest of St Andrew’s Church, Goa Velha; Fr Pedro Costa, assistant parish priest; Jagdish Bhobe, Sarpanch of St Andre; Shashikant Naik, Vice President of Casa Do Povo; Savio Monteiro, former President of Goa Velha SC; Rajnish Lawande, proprietor of RPL Fabricators; Peter Gomes, social worker and other dignitaries.
Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado and MLA of Velim Constituency Benjamin Silva were also present. Agnelo Fernandes compered.
