TEAM HERALD
sports@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Curtorim Gymkhana got the better of Chandor Club 5-4 via the tie-breaker to retain the 32nd Sao Jose de Areal Panchayat Cup inter-village football tournament, organized by Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club, at Padribhat ground, Sao Jose de Areal, Sunday.
There was no score at normal period.
In an absorbing battle, the teams started the game on aggressive note and kept the festive crowd on their toes. Curtorim Gymkhana kept on counter attacking and resulting in a swift move when Marcus Peixoto, moved upfront and unleashed a left footer drive but Chandor Club goalkeeper Jimmy Cardozo rose to the occasion and brought up a superb save to deny him breakthrough.
All charged cup Chandor did not lag behind and nearly broke the deadlock in the 20th minute but Curtorim Gymkhana goalkeeper Johnson Bhagat stood tall in front of the bar to deny rival striker Issac D’Costa a chance to score.
Midway in the opening session, Chandor Club nearly found the success but Curtorim Gymkhana goalkeeper Johnson Bhagat thwarted rival striker Socorro Fernandes’ sure goal.
Post resumption, the teams displayed scintillating play but the goalkeepers had the day as they protected the citadel from falling. Curtorim Gymkhana almost found elusive match winner but Chandor Club goalkeeper Jimmy effected a superb save to block Mario Mascarenhas’ volley.
With time running out, both teams went all out but the match winner eluded them.
In the resultant tie-breaker, Sheldon Sardinha, John Fernandes, Mario Mascarenhas, Steven Fernandes and John Mascarenhas found the mark for Curtorim Gymkhana while Ivan Pinto, Sevaraj D’Costa, Melroy Moura and Mario Fernandes were successful in their attempts for Chandor Club.
Curtorim Gymkhana were richer by Rs 50,000 while Chandor Club had to settle for Rs 30,000.
The following individual prizes were awarded: First goal of the final Ivan Pinto (Chandor Club), Best goalkeeper of the final Johnson Bhagat (Curtorim Gymkhana), Best defender of the final Johnson Gomes (Chandor Club), Best midfielder Jeston Martins (Chandor Club) and Man of the final Marcus Peixoto (Curtorim Gymkhana).
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who was the chief guest briefly, addressed the gathering and wish good luck for both the teams as he had to attend other function.
Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado and Velim MLA Benjamin Silva, who were the guest of honour distributed the prizes in the presence of Julio Monteiro, sarpanch of VP Sao Jose de Areal and other dignitaries.
Earlier, Savio Thereza welcomed the guests while Anthony Thereza proposed a vote of thanks.
The function was compered by Seby Fernandes. In all 16 teams participated.
