MARGAO, MAY 30
Ambelim Sports Club edged past Sao Minguel de Taleigao Sports Club 8-7 via the sudden death tie-breaker in the finals of all-Goa football tournament to win the 2nd All-Goa Cuncolim Union Trophy organised by Cuncolim at school ground, Cuncolim on Sunday. The teams were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time.
The match was well contested as the teams went on the offensive right from the word go. Taleigao went into the lead in the 18th minute when Thomson Fernandes bulged the net after picking up a through pass from midfielder Caetano Pinho.
Taleigao’s Caetano worked hard in keeping his forwards busy with a stream of passes. Ambelim goalkeeper Benny D’Silva was outstanding in bringing out a couple of saves.
With two minutes for the lemon break, Maxwin Fernandes neutralised the lead for Ambelim after he received a through pass from Samson Fernandes.
The second half saw plenty of action with Ambelim strikers, Donald Rocha, Samson Fernandes and Tiburcio Fernandes being unlucky in their attempts. Taleigao did not lag behind and threatened the Ambelim citadel twice with tries from Velencio Estrocio and Thomson Fernandes hitting the crossbar.
With the clock running out, Taleigao almost found the match-winner but goalkeeper Benny D’Silva rose to the occasion to deny Caetano a sure goal.
Ambelim Sports Club were richer by Rs 30,000 while Taleigao had to be content with Rs 20,000.
In the ensuing penalty, Benny D’Silva, Romeo Fernandes, Clayton D’Silva, Donald Rocha, Tiburcio Fernandes and Primson Fernandes were on target for Ambelim while Ramesh Palekar, Cedric Peixoto, Anthony Pereira, Caetano Pinho, Velencio Estrocio and Casmiro Peixoto converted for Taleigao.
In the sudden death, Stanley Fernandes was successful for Ambelim while Lenson Afonso’s try was saved by Ambelim goalkeeper Benny D’Silva.
Following prizes were awarded: Best goalkeeper of the tournament – Benny D’Silva, Ambelim. Best forward of the tournament – Velencio Estrocio, Taleigao. Best defender of the tournament – Joseph Pinto, Ambelim. Best midfielder – Ceatano Pinho, Taleigao. Fair play award – Don Bosco Oratory. Man-of-the final – Samson Fernandes, Ambelim.
Most promising player – Nilesh Velip, Cuncolim Union.
Former footballers from Cuncolim, Barnabe Fernandes, Ulhas Naik and Peter Dias were felicitated by Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao, Elvis Gomes, President Cuncolim Union and Mickky Fernandes, international footballer.
Joaquim Alemao, GFA president and AIFF vice-president was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of Elvis, Mickky, Dilip Dessai, Cleofacio Dias and Piety Fernandes.
Earlier, Siano Fernandes, treasurer, Cuncolim Union welcomed and later proposed the vote of thanks. In all 16 teams participated.
