Team Herald
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RAIA: Sao Jose de Areal SC scored a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Parish Youth Nuvem in the final to clinch the Cavelossim Villagers UK Cup 2025 - football tournament organised by the Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim at the Fr Druston and Wellington ground, Cavelossim, on Saturday.
In an exciting match under clear sky, Parish Youth Nuvem took the lead against the run of play when Alvito Dias gave a clever pass to Meinsley Barreto, who ran into the penalty area, firing a grounder which entered the goal beating Dezi Oliveira under Sao Jose de Areal SC crossbar to take lead, 1-0.
Sao Jose de Areal fought back with veteran Rayman Fernandes and Clifford Soares controlling the midfield.
In a move initiated by Alvito, who floated a ball to David Colaco, whose first time shot hit Leroy Colaco on the hand and Referee Mario Pereira had no hesitation in awarding a spot-kick which Bersal Viegas stepped up to convert into a goal and level the score, 1-1.
On resumption of play, Sao Jose de Areal SC were a better side and Bersal who had a great game gave his team the lead when his power-packed drive from outside the box beat goalkeeper Melwin Fernandes to make it, 2-1.
Sao Jose de Areal SC maintained the pressure and in the 50th minute Inacio Colaco tripped Tyson Carvalho in the box and the resulting spot kick was easily converted by Bersal Viegas to complete his hat-trick and give 3-1lead.
However, the match came alive when Jonas Colaco pulled one back for Parish Youth Nuvem, 2-3. Thereafter, Sao Jose de Areal SC defenders stood firm in the last five minutes to maintain the lead and inscribe their maiden name on the III Cavelossim Villagers UK Cup 2025 and take home a cash prize of Rs 60,000.
India U-19 football team, who were recently crowned SAFF champions, Head Coach Bibiano Fernandes and former coach-cum-player of SCC Cavelossim was the chief guest while guests of honour were Cavelossim Villagers in UK and their family members, Fr Ubaldo Fernandes and Fr Saude Pereira of Holy Cross Parish, Cavelossim. Special invitees were Goa Football Association South Vice-President Antonio Pango, GFA Referees And Assistant Referees Chairman and President of All Goa Referee Association Constancio Paul Rodrigues, GFA Referees Head Melwin D’Costa, Cavelossim Sarpanch Dixon Vaz, former sarpanch Laju Miranda and Fr Tony.
Journalists Charles D’Souza, Inacio Noronha, Ganadeep Sheldekar and Sandeep Redkar and Bibiano were felicitated for their services in the field of sports.
Bibiano in his speech acknowledged and thanked Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim for giving him a chance to start his coaching career with the club in the Goa Professional League.
Earlier, an one minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the departed soul of Lawrence Pereira, GFA office incharge in South Goa.
Later, club member John Fernandes, proposed a vote of thanks and compered.