Team Herald
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RAIA: Manddar Khuris Pedda lifted the St John Baptist Trophy after a 2-0 victory over Abhuja YC in the final, organised by Football Friends Benaulim, at Dando-Benaulim.
After a goalless first half - where Abhuja striker Vishal Fernandes was denied by the crossbar - Pedda broke through soon after the restart. Skipper Faisal Bepari sent in a fine pass for striker Jonas Pinto, who slotted past Herberd Rodrigues. Abhuja pressed through Maxwell and Sanford Rodrigues, but defenders Sydroy Baptista and Craig Dias stood firm, with Claudson Goes dominating midfield.
The win was sealed two minutes from time when substitute Josmon Rebello tapped in a neat cross by Quinton Fernandes.
Fr Xavier Estebeiro, Parish Priest of St John Baptist Church, was chief guest at the presentation ceremony, with Manoj Kesarkar as guest of honour. Pedda received the winners’ purse of Rs 18,000 and Abhuja Rs 12,000, along with trophies.
Individual awards included: Best player of the tournament – Nicolau Fernandes (Abhuja), Best striker – Vishal Fernandes (Abhuja), Best midfielder – Samuel Fernandes (Dados Boys), Best goalkeeper – Rossly Fernandes (United Club Juniors). Pedda’s Jonas Pinto, Faisal Bepari, Craig Dias, Joseph Pinto and Claudson Goes swept the finals awards.