Don Bosco emerge champs
TEAM HERALD
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
MAPUSA: Don Bosco HS, Panjim thumped Guardian Angel HS, Savordem 4-3 via the tie-breaker in the finals to emerge U-14 Mahindra Youth Football League state champions at Duler Stadium, here, Friday. There was no score at full time.
Don Bosco will now take part in the national finals to be held in Kerala.
Don Bosco started on an attacking note in a 4-3-3 formation with Glevito Miranda, Elmer Sequeira and Keenan Dias in the striking role.
Guardian Angel fielded Amiro Felizardo and Kimran Fernandes upfront in a 4-4-2 set up.
Guardian Angel’s Maclan Gomes sent in a dangerous cross to Kimran in the danger zone but Don Bosco goalkeeper Anthony Fernandes made a timely in the first minute.
Don Bosco’s took control over the proceedings with good short passes and in the fourth minute Dwayne Britto essayed a clever through ball to Glevito inside the box, whose powerful strike sailed over the crossbar.
Subsequently, Glevito’s powerful long ranger was tipped over by Guardian Angel goalkeeper Presley Furtado in the 14th minute.
Just before the lemon break, Amiro sent in a defence splitting pass between Don Bosco’s Ojog Araujo and Dhiraj Chauhan that found Kimran inside the danger zone but the rival custodian made a timely collection to deny Kimran a clear chance at goal.
In the second session, Don Bosco continued to dominate as Ryan D’Costa’s right-footer went inches wide off a pass from substitute Aryan Gonsalves in the 26th minute.
In the next minute, Don Bosco came close to break the deadlock but Glevito’s venomous strike hit the upright.
In the tie-breaker, Elmer, Aaryan, Anthony and Dhiraj scored for Don Bosco while Maclan, Sweeton and Presley converted for Guardian Angel.
Before the kick-off, the players were introduced by Lavinio Rebello, GFA vice-president (North) to the chief guest Brahmanand Shankwalkar, Arjuna Awardee; Ramesh Thakur, guest of honour and Gajanan Kerkar, GFA executive member.
Meanwhile, Rosary HS, Navelim took the third spot after a solitary goal win over St Joseph HS, Calangute. The lone goal was scored by Rosary’s Joval Fernandes in the 15th minute.
Don Bosco received Rs 30,000 alongwith the winner’s trophy while Guardian Angel had to settle for Rs 20,000 and a trophy.
Second runners-up Rosary HS, Navelim received Rs 15,000 alongwith a trophy.
Don Bosco’s Glevito Miranda was adjudged player of the final while his teammate Dwayne Britto was declared player of the tournament.
