RAIA: Navelim Sporting edged past Verna Sports Club 9-8 via tie-breaker to emerge champions in the Sao Jose de Areal Panchayat Cup inter-village football tournament played at Padribhat ground, Sao Jose de Areal, on Sunday.
Both teams displayed a good brand of soccer in front of huge spectators and were tied at 3-3 draw at the end of regulation time. Navelim Sporting started the match in an attacking note with striker Clinton Niasso scoring three goals in quick succession in the 12th, 19th and 23rd minutes to register a hat-trick.
On resumption of play, Verna Sports Club regrouped with renewed ideas and invaded the rival citadel time and again. Their efforts bore fruits. Sairon Albuquerque scored a brace while Ajay Satarkar netted the third goal.
In the resultant tie-breaker, Navelim Sporting proved to be better shooters and were richer by Rs 60,000 and trophy while Verna SC had to be content with Rs 40,000.
Chief guest Velim MLA Cruz Silva presented the winners’ trophy to Navelim Sporting in the presence of guest of honour Fr Damaciano Carvalho, parish priest of St Joseph Church, Sao Jose de Areal Zilla Panchayat member Michelle Rebello, Sarpanch Linda Fernandes, South Goa Referees Officer Joaquin Manuel and other dignitaries.
The function was compered by Anthony and Savio while club secretary Valente Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks.
