Team Herald
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RAIA: Hosts Uguem Rising Club clinched the 21st All-Goa inter-village football tournament defeating United Boys of Ambaulim 1-0 in the final organised by Uguem Rising Club at the Uguem Rising Club ground, Uguem.
The final match, held on the festive occasion of the feast of Our Lady of Piety Chapel, drew a large and enthusiastic crowd that vocally supported both teams throughout the thrilling contest.
The decisive moment came when Rutvik delivered a snap shot that found the back of the net, leaving the United Boys of Ambaulim goalkeeper with no chance of a save. Although UB Ambaulim players launched several fierce counter-attacks in an attempt to equalise, their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by the steadfast Uguem Rising Club defenders.
Uguem Rising Club, however, also missed opportunities to widen their lead, letting a couple of close chances slip away in the second half. The victorious Uguem Rising Club was awarded a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 50,000 sponsored by Ireland Boys from Uguem, while the runners-up received a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 40,000 sponsored by USA Boys from Uguem.
The prizes were distributed by the Minister for Archaeology and Sanguem MLA Subhash Phaldessai, who commended the organisers for their impressive 21-year commitment to hosting the tournament and promised the Uguem Rising Club all possible future support.
Fr Ivo Fernandes also addressed the gathering.
Other dignitaries present included Fr Pascoal Fernandes, Panchayat Member Elvira Fernandes, Rajnikant Naik, Dharma Bhandari, Suresh Bhandari, Victorino Colaco, Santana Gomes, Anthony Colaco and Jack Paul Colaco. Uguem Rising Club President Marcus Pereira proposed a vote of thanks, while Diogo Fernandes and Victorino Colaco compered.
Beyond the football competition, two promising local sportsperson were felicitated Muriel Shanessa Fernandes for securing the U-11 girls Goa State Championship for 2025 and Olivia Gomes for his multiple marathon achievements.
