Team Herald
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ARPORA: In a thrilling finale, Arpora Sporting triumphed in the inaugural edition of the ANB Unity League 2025 5-a-side football tournament organised by Happy Boys, defeating KDR Boys of Arpora 3-1 in a penalty shootout, at St Sebastian ground, Arpora.
The final ended 1-1 in regulation time, with Rujal Sangodkar giving Arpora Sporting the early lead before KDR Boys’ star player, Pruthvesh Pednekar, equalised shortly after. In the ensuing shootout, Arpora Sporting held their nerve, converting through Bhavesh Gawas, Saidutt Haldankar, and Rujal Sangodkar. Pruthvesh Pednekar was the lone scorer for KDR Boys in the tie-breaker.
Pednekar also emerged as the league’s top scorer with 8 goals, while Ashmit Paswan of Holiday Sports Club Arpora was adjudged best goalkeeper, keeping 3 clean sheets. KDR Boys’ goalkeeper Nitesh Chavan was named player of the tournament for his goal and several key saves.
The ANB Unity League, featuring eight teams each backed by a prominent local resident, was launched by a spirited group of young men from Arpora, Nagoa and Baga, with the aim of fostering community spirit through football and giving local talent a platform to shine.