TEAM HERALD
sports@herald-goa.com
MAPUSA: Saligao Sporting Club settled for a lone goal by Bibiano Fernandes to pip Nerul Sports Club 1-0 in the finals of the 8th All-Goa Pio Jose Goveia memorial football tournament organized by Youth Sports Club (YSC) of Colvale at church ground, Colvale, Sunday.
After a barren first half, Bibiano came in as a second half substitute and inspired his team with the all-important goal in the 55th minute. The former Sporting Clube de Goa star skilfully dribbled past a couple of rival defenders to find the back of the net with a net finish.
Earlier, in the first half Saligao’s Uday Naik and Nerul’s Amit Naik came close to scoring but both their efforts hit the crossbar.
In the dying minutes, Nerul had a golden opportunity to level terms but Felix Baretto’s powerful header was thwarted by rival keeper Jason D’Mello.
Earlier, at half time, chief guest Adv. Francis D’Souza, deputy chief minister of Goa, guest of honour, Kiran Kandolkar, MLA, Fr Simao Rodrigues, parish priest of Colvale, Lavinio Rebello, GFA’s vice-president (North) and GFA’s executive members Babli Mandrekar and Gajanand Kerkar were introduced to the players and match officials by YSC of Colvale officials Wynne Paul, James Paul and Dominic Pereira.
Saligao Sporting received a cash prize of Rs one lakh while Nerul SC settled for Rs 50,000. Individual prizes were awarded to: Man-of-the-match Bibiano Fernandes (Saligao Sporting). Man-of-the-tournament Sarvesh Dabolkar (Nerul SC). Best Goalkeeper Jason D’Mello (Saligao Sporting). Most enthusiastic young player Rio Fernandes (Colvale) and most enthusiastic spectator Gasper Fernandes from Colvale. Wynne, president of YSC of Colvale proposed the vote of thanks and Santano Ferrao compered the function.
