MARGAO: Fr Agnel Higher Secondary School, Pilar and Carmel Higher Secondary School, Nuvem emerged champions in under-19 inter-HSS boys and girl’s football league, organized by DSYA in collaboration with Goa Football Association and GFDC, at Panchayat ground, Nagoa-Verna, on Tuesday.

Earlier, Carmel Higher Secondary School, Nuvem blanked Our Lady of Rosary Higher Secondary, Dona Paula 2-0 after leading 1-0 at half time.

Carmel served by international footballers dominated the game. The Nuvem team were disciplined in defence and sharp in their attacks. They broke the deadlock in the 15th minute through striker Genevie Fernandes. Striker Valanka D’Souza played a pivotal role for Carmel.

After resumption, Carmel were always going to be difficult to contain and Our Lady of Rosary High School were chasing shadows every time they lost the ball possession. Carmel’s superior fitness and agility were too much for the players of the Dona Paula team who struggled to move more players in front.

Valanka D’ Costa scored the insurance goal in the 48th minute.

Later, in the boys section, Fr Agnel Higher Secondary School, Pilar beat Fr Agnel Multipurpose Higher Secondary School, Verna 3-2 via the tie-breaker. The teams were locked in a goalless draw at the end of regulation period. 

The match was delayed as Fr Agnel, Pilar failed to bring proper ID cards and the play was reduced to 20 minutes for each half.

In the tie-breaker that ensured the Pilar side to be better shooters, Domnic Soares, Jules Menezes and Nihal D’Mello scored. Samson Pereira and Meristino Coutinho were on target for Fr Agnel Verna.

The following individual prizes were awarded Best goalkeeper of the tournament (girls) Anurdha Das of Our Lady of Rosary High School, Dona Paula; Best goalkeeper of the tournament (boys) Leslie Vaz of Fr Agnel HSS Pilar; Best player of the tournament (boys) Samson Pereira of Fr Agnel, Verna; Best player of the tournament (girls) Valanka D’Costa of Carmel HSS, Nuvem; Highest scorer of the tournament (boys) Alston Mendes of Mount Mary HSS, Chinchinim and Highest scorer of the tournament (girls) Ridhi Goltekar of St Xavier HSS, Mapusa.

Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardessai was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of GFA President Elvis Gomes; YB Tawade, Director of DSYA; Juliana Gurjao e Colaco, Deputy Director of DSYA. 

Salgaocar Football Club star goalkeeper Karanjit Singh and defender Augustin Fernandes were also present.