RAIA: Bandoi Boys warded off a strong challenge from a promising new look team Rodrigues Youth via tie-breaker 6-5 in the finals to retain the 2nd Edoviso and Julieta Dias memorial football 2023 title organised by Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim at Fr Druston and Wellington ground, Cavelossim, recently.
The teams were locked 1-1 at full time.
In the first half, the match was confined in the midfield with Asher of Bandoi taking two snap shots at the Rodrigues Youth goal which was well saved by Samuel of Rodrigues Youth, the best keeper of the final.
Crossing over, Flenco took a long throw from the left side which was cleared by Johan but the ball fell to unmarked Khaja Nadaf who scored from a close range.
Rodrigues Youth fought to restore parity and when it looked that Bandoi Boys will carry the day when the fullback of Rodrigues Johan moved up front and shot powerfully towards the goal, but the ball hit the goal post and rebounded from the keeper to enter the Bandoi nylons taking the match into the tie-breaker
In the resultant tie-breaker, Asher, Flenco, Khaja, Davin and Charles were on target for Bandoi Boys while Dannon, Crison, Blayne and Johan scored for Rodrigues.
Flory Dias was the chief guest while Fr Saude Pereira of Cavelossim parish and Dixon Vaz, sarpanch of Cavelossim Village Panchayat were the guests of honour. Natty Fernandes compered the function while Secretary Viriato Mendes proposed a vote of thanks.