MAPUSA: Kerala grounded hosts Goa 4-2 in the final to lift the prestigious 2nd Agape Cup all-India Christian football championship organized by John Paul II Foundation for Sports Goa, at Duler stadium, here, Saturday morning.
Kerala had finished runners-up in the previous edition came out stronger this time with their skilful football mentored by Kerala’s coach and former Tamil Nadu captain Jestes Antony and skipper Learnel Thomas, the Kerala Santosh team and I-League player.
The hosts looked very tired after playing three matches in two days and the artificial turf took a toll on them.
Kerala started their victory campaign with a goal in the 11th minute through Arvin and then later doubled their advantage before the break after a beautiful cross from the right flank was neatly placed into the back of the net by Alex past Goan custodian Jerson.
Goa needed inspiration and coach Severino did exactly the same during the lemon break.
However, a brace by Alex, seven minutes after resumption made it 3-0.
Even though, the Goan lads continued their fight and pumped in two goals through Joshua Vaz and Jonston. They further put more pressure but the match was sealed for Kerala as striker Anil scored to make it 4-2.
The Fair Play trophy went to Karnataka, while Sarath of Kerala was declared as the best goalkeeper. Fr Norbert D’Silva who captained the Goa team after the injury of Fr Valentine Alvares was rightly adjudged as Best defender. Alex from Kerala was bestowed with the Player of the final while Ajit from Kerala won the Player of the tournament. The highest scorer prize went to Joshua Vaz of Goa with a four goal tally.
GFA President Elvis Gomes along with Dr Rufino Monteiro, Chairman of GFDC; Juliana Gurjao, Deputy Director of Sports and Youth Affairs; Levinio Rebello, GFA Vice-President; Welwin Menezes, GFA executive member were among the guests.
Katz Naidoo, Technical Director of GFDC and former India captain Carlton Chapman and Savio Madeira, former India international and current assistant coach of the National team were scouting the probables for the Expo 2014 Unity World Cup.
The parish youth of Aldona performed a choreographed gospel dance at half time. Joseph Nirmalraj from Chennai, convener of Sports ministry in India proposed the vote of thanks.
