MAPUSA: The Bicholim Association of Football Friends (BAFF) emerged champions in the GFA’s Third Division as they drubbed Sangolda Lightning SC by 5-0 margin in the final played at Duler Stadium, here, under floodlights on Saturday.
BAFF created history to make it to the GFA’s Second Division League 2023-24.
BAFF went into the breather with a two goals cushion with Sanket Pal and Chandan Govenkar scoring.
Early in the match, both the teams had an opportunity each to take the lead but Sangolda Lightning SC Arun Naik’s strike was saved by BAFF goalkeeper Chetan Sakhalkar while at the other end Gaurish Bugde hot-blooded shot hit Sangolda Lightning SC’s defender for corner. In the 9th minute, BAFF’s Saish Kavlekar long ball saw unmarked Sanket Pal control and finish with a right footer 1-0.
Just five minutes later, BAFF should have doubled their lead but Sangolda Lightning SC’s custodian Anil Dessai thwarted Sanket Jotkar in one to one situation.
Sangolda Lightning SC had a chance to level terms in the 19th minute but a stinging 25-yard free kick by Arun Naik was superbly pushed for a corner by BAFF goalkeeper.
BAFF further increased their lead in the 22nd minute from a fine build up move initiated by Sanket Pal to Gaurish, who in turn set up to Chandan Govenkar, who went the ball into the goal 2-0. In the last quarter of the first session, Gaurish’s shot was blocked by Sangolda Lightning SC’s keeper while BAFF keeper pushed Pratik’s free-kick for corner. On crossing ends, Saish Kavlekar, Chandan Govenkar and Sanket Jotkar pumped in three more goals to complete the score tally to 5-0.
BAFF bagged the winners cash prize of Rs 20,000 plus the rolling silver trophy while Sangolda Lightning SC received the runners-up cash prize of Rs 15,000 from chief guest Goa Football Association President Dr Caitano Fernandes, Bicholim Municipal Council Chairperson Kundan Falari and GFA Co-Op member Maymol Rocky.
Individual prizes were presented by GFA’s Executive Committee Members Laxman Hadfadkar, Uday Lingudkar, Praven Dabholkar and Omkar Vaigankar.
Earlier, Dr Caitano welcomed the gathering while Omkar Vaigankar, organising chairperson and executive member of GFA proposed a vote of thanks. Anthony Fernandes compered.