MAPUSA: CDJ Ribandar registered a hard-fought 2-1 win over Nerul SC to clinch the glittering Goveia Cup organised by YSC Colvale at Colvale church ground, on Friday.
The teams went into the breather locked in a 1-1 draw. Nerul SC colts shot into the lead in the 16th minute with Nehal Naik latching a scorching left footer which crashed into the back of the nylons 1-0.
Earlier, a well-executed free-kick by Octavio Miranda was brilliantly swayed over the crossbar by Nerul goalkeeper Niklesh Naik.
CDJ Ribandar time and again attacked the rival territory and finally equalised in the 29th minute through a gentle tap by Lakesh Gawas 1-1.
Just seven minutes into the second session and CDJ Ribandar further increased their lead through Vishal Adkonkar who scored from inside the 6-yard box 2-1.
Nerul SC should have levelled terms in the 48th minute but Siddhant Shirodkar efforts were blocked for a corner by CDJ Ribandar custodian Elesh Shirvoikar.
Two more chances went in vain for Nerul SC with Nikhil Naik and Yash Naik missing open sitters.
Chief guest Siolim Constituency MLA Delilah Lobo and guest of honour Fr Arlino D’Mello presented the winners’ trophy and cash prize of Rs 1 lakh to CDJ Ribandar and runners-up trophy and cash prize of Rs 50,000 to Nerul SC.
Special invitees Paresh Dicholkar, Sarpanch VP Colvale; ward members Liberata Fernandes and Ritesh Varkhandkar presented individuals prizes to best defender – Akash Banaulikar of Nerul SC, best goalkeeper – Niklesh Naik of Nerul SC and best striker – Krishna Gawas of CDJ Ribandar.
Raunak Singh, international player, coach, referee and judge WTMFI and Erica J De Sequeira World No 3 and Triple Gold Medalist Tong-il Moo- Do were felicitated by the chief guest. Steven Lobo compered the function. Dominic Pereira welcomed and proposed a vote of thanks.
