MAPUSA: Dunes SC played their hearts out to register a hard fought 4-3 win via the tie-breaker over strong favourites Super Goans FC to emerge champions in GFA’s Boys Under-13 finals at Duler stadium, here on Tuesday.
The finals were largely attended mostly by the teams’ parents, supporters, fans and villagers who cheered the buddy youngsters who fought tooth and nail till the final hooter.
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It was a sweet revenge for Dunes who had lost to their opponents in the league and two play-offs.
Super Goans had the better of exchanges in the first session. Rahul Chawan strike travelled over the crossbar while a free-kick by skipper Joel Passoni was brilliantly blocked by Dunes defender Jayden on the goalline.
On crossing over, Super Goans medio Aryan Lingudkar who had excelled in the semis drove a 25-yard rasping shot which was collected by Dunes custodian Zion D’Mello.
In the last quarter, Dunes coach Shashank Ashwekar brought in Shelroy Fernandes and Uday Narse upfront and Dunes were a complete transformed unit.
Shelroy Fernandes mesmerized the large crowd with his dribbling skills and ball control but was unlucky not to score past the onrushing Super Goans goalkeeper Kingston Barretto.
Another glorious chance went in vain for Dunes when Shelroy crossed the ball to unmarked Uday who to the dismay of his teammates tapped the ball over the crossbar.
In the add-on time a long range shot by Darren Coelho was blocked to safety by Super Goans custodian Kingston.
With the match ending in a goalless draw, the penalty shoot out was enforced. Dunes scored through Messi Fernandes, Darren Coelho, Romald Fernandes and Jayden Fernandes. For Super Goans only Kurtson Menezes, Aryan Lingudkar and Chris D’Costa could score.
Babli Mandrekar, Minguel Gonsalves, Omkar Vaigankar, Uday Lingudkar, Laximan Hadfadkar were among those present. Stadium Manager Anthony Lobo compered the finals.
