MARGAO: Maharashtra stuck to their strength and tactical approach to break down the rival defence as they outplayed host Goa 3-0 to win West Zone 36th Coca Cola Under-15 Mir Iqbal Hussian Trophy Sub-Junior National Football Championship at Holy Trinity ground, Benaulim, on Saturday.
There was no score at half time. The highlight of the day was a brilliant brace by striker Aman Kirnapure, who was later named player of the final.
Host Goa overpowered Maharashtra by dominating the proceedings of the opening session.
They came close to scoring in the early moments of the game. First, skipper Borris D’Mello shot straight into the hands of Maharashtra goalkeeper Paurav Vakharia.
Later, striker Arron Barretto, with only rival goalkeeper to beat failed to score.
Having soaked up with the initial pressure, Maharashtra came calling around half hour mark but Gaston Silva, who marshalled the waistline, aplomb came close to scoring but his right footer missed the mark narrowly.
With time running out for lemon break, host Goa nearly found the success but Maharashtra goalkeeper Paurav, who later adjudged best goalkeeper of the tournament denied Borris a goal with timely intervention.
The second session saw both the teams on even keel with having their moments in the initial period. Maharashtra, however got their break in the 57th minute when Kamran Ansari from the left send a floater, Goa goalkeeper Akshat Hadkonkar unnecessary came out of his charge and lurking Amran nicely headed home to silence the home crowd.
With the setback, Goa made valiant attempts to neutralise the lead but striker Arron fumbled at crucial moment.
Midway in the second half, Arman brought some cheer to Maharashtra when he intelligently punished the rival goalkeeper with clinical finish off pass from Krish Adhikhari.
Down 0-2, Goa intensified their attacks and went all out and nearly fetched the reducer but Maharashtra goalkeeper Paurav was equally to the task to palm away Aroon Alvares’ well executed free kick.
Undeterred by the scare, Maharashtra kept nibbling and Aman, who had a good game, was unlucky not to register his hat-trick as his try hit the cross bar.
In the injury time, substitute Aniket Varekar drove the last nail into rival coffin when he pounced on the Kamran Ansari deflection.
Goa captain Borris for his compact performance throughout the tournament was named player of the tournament.
Benaulim MLA Caitu Silva, who was the chief guest along with Velim MLA Benjamin Silva gave away the trophies and distributed medals to both the teams in the presence of Durgesh Telgang, Zonal VP Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages; Benaulim Sarpanch Remmy Fernandes, Deputy Xavier Pereira, Vikek Rao, Coca Cola; Shrisih Priolkar, marketing manager, Coca Cola; GFA Vice President South Goa Schubert Furtado, GFA Executive Members Welvino Menezes, Arnaldo Costa, Anthony Pango, Lawrence Gomes, Jaju Fernandes, Patrick D’Souza, John Silva and Anthony Leo Fernandes.
