PANJIM: Striker Roger Azavedo scored the lone goal of the match as Don Bosco Oratory (DBO), Fatorda registered a hard fought solitary goal victory over Verna Sports Club in the final of the 9th London Trophy all-Goa inter-village football tournament, organized by Goa Velha Sports Club, at Goa Velha ground, on Tuesday.
Roger scored the all-important goal of the match in the 21st minute after beautifully heading past the rival goalkeeper off a cross by Danny Dias.
The teams took time to settle down. Verna had the first go but Savio Fernandes’ free-kick was blocked by DBO custodian Blington Baretto.
At the other end, Christopher Borges had two glorious chances but his header and a rasping volley sailed inches over the crossbar.
DBO continued to attack and used the flanks effectively. In the 21st minute, a dangerous cross from the right by Danny found Roger just outside the six-yard box and the striker leaped highest to head past Verna custodian Beneston Barretto, 1-0.
Verna tried hard to equalize but Bazileo Rego’s free-kick hit the crossbar and was tipped over to safety by the DBO keeper before the break.
Post resumption, Roger had a glorious opportunity to score off a counter-attack but delayed to pull his trigger with only the Verna custodian at his mercy.
Subsequently, Roger was in thick of action yet again as he skilfully dribbled past two rival defenders only to see his power-packed drive blocked by Beneston.
Verna continued to pressurize but the DBO defence headed by Roque Borges stood firm till the final whistle.
DBO were awarded Rs 60,000 and a trophy while Verna had to be content with Rs 40,000 andf a trophy. Individual prizes were awarded to Best goalkeeper Beneston Barretto, Best Defender Roque Borges, Best midfielder Stephen Satarkar of Verna SC, Best striker Roger Azavedo and Man-of-the-Match Agnelo Baretto of DBO.
Dr Rui Carvalho Baceira, Consul General of Portugal in Goa was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of Pacoal Tridade, social worker; Evencio Quadros, MD of Quadros Motors; Fr Emedio Pinto, parish priest of St Andrew church, Goa Velha; Fr Pedro Costa, assistant parish priest; Nicholas Fernandes, social worker; Rajnish Lawande, director of RPL Fabricators; Jagdish Bhobe, Sarpanch of VP St Andre and panch members.
Savio Monteiro, President of Goa Velha SC and Welvin Menezes, president of Casa do Povo were also present. Agnelo Fernandes compered.
