Team Herald
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MARGAO: Hosts Kaykee Youth Club, Dongorim Majorda, lifted the Friendship Cup 2025 after defeating Rising Star 5-2 in the final. The tournament, organised by Kaykee Youth Club, aimed to promote youth engagement and grassroots development in football for boys under 15 years of age.
Rising Star opened the scoring in the 7th minute through Aman Kumar. However, the hosts responded quickly, with Elroy D’Silva netting the equaliser in the 12th minute. The teams went into the half-time break with the score tied at 1-1.
Both goalkeepers impressed with their sharp reflexes. Cristiano Colaco made notable saves for Kaykee Youth Club, denying efforts from Arbin Ram and Sahil Mheslekar, while the Rising Star keeper kept out shots from Alex Fernandes and Puran Thopil.
The second half saw Kaykee Youth Club dominate proceedings. Puran Thopil and Alex Fernandes combined to devastating effect, scoring two goals each in the 62nd and 64th minutes to make it 5-1. Aman Kumar added a consolation goal for Rising Star in the 66th minute, concluding the match at 5-2 in favour of the hosts.
The chief guest for the final was Patricea Rego, who distributed prizes to the teams in the presence of Edana Braganza and Alisha Pereira. Anjulo P Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks.