PANJIM: Apollo Football Academy, Panjim, emerged champions after defeating host Kaykee Youth Club, Dongorim, Majorda, by a solitary goal to lift the Friendship Cup 2021, being played at Kings Turf, Verna.
The teams were locked 0-0 at the end of the first session. The match began on the fast note with both the teams pressing hard to find the net as the ball rolled from one end to other making attack and counter attack.
The hard working Warren D’Sa solo move hit the goalpost and went out during the third minute of the second half.
The keepers of both the teams showed good reflexes and kept at bay the tries made by Kiaam Araujo and Kayden Lobo of Apollo FA. Goalkeeper of Kaykee YC, Shanne Estiberio, twice stretched full length to bring saves from Piyush Sawant and Kiaam.
Two minutes before the full time, the all important goal was scored by Kayden Lobo to put his team ahead. Kaykee Youth Club players pressed hard to get the equaliser but all efforts made by Joedan Dias and Sadik Mulla could not bring any results. Ultimately Apollo FA lifted the Friendship Cup 21.
The chief guest for the finals was Rurban D’Costa, Principal Gaonkar HSS, Raia ,while Sanjay Bhayani, Branch Manager, HDFC Bank, Majorda was the guest of honour and Prashant K K was the special invitee and gave away the trophies and prizes to the players. Anjulo P Fernandes chairperson welcomed the gathering while Keegan Fernandes, secretary proposed the vote of thanks.
