MARGAO: Holy Cross, Mugalli prevailed over Naughty Boys, Padribhat 5-4 via the tie-breaker to emerge champions in Manuel Figureido memorial inter-ward football tournament organized by Kotu Boys of Sao Jose de Areal, at Padribhat ground, Sao Jose de Areal, on Sunday. Holy Cross were trailing 0-1 at the lemon break.
Naughty Boys held upper hand in the first half with their forwards piling on pressure. They took the lead in the 10th minute when Ricardo Carvalho nodded home off a well-executed floater from Monty Valladares.
Down by a goal, Holy Cross intensified their attacks and created umpteen forays into the rival territory but rival defenders were alert in frustrating the attacks with neat tackles.
Crossing over, Holy Cross pressed more men forward in an attempt to secure the equalizer and had a couple of chances but rival defenders were tall in protecting the slender lead.
However, the equalizer came in the 50th minute when Jovsico Monteiro’s cross was met by a sublime header of Marcus Mascarenhas.
In the penalty shoot-out, Ramson Viegas, Socooro Monteiro, Marcus Mascarenhas and Romeo Moura were on target for Holy Cross while Agio Antao, Ricardo Monteiro and Monty Valadares converted for Naughty Boys.
Holy Cross, Mugalli were richer by Rs 8,000 while Naughty Boys had to settle for Rs 6,000.
The following individual prizes were awarded to Best goalkeeper of the final Agio Antao of Naughty Boys, Best defender of the final Foster Olveira of Naughty Boys, Man of the final Pronoy Monteiro of Holy Cross, Best midfielder of the final Romeo Moura of Holy Cross, First scorer of the final Ricardo Carvalho of Naughty boys and Youngest player of the tournament Rampio Mascarenhas of Holy Cross.
Velim MLA Benjamin Silva was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of guest of honour Fr Richard Pinheiro, parish priest of Sao Jose de Areal church and Gaby Endro, president of Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club.
