BENAULIM: Maina Sports Club, Curtorim edged past Varca Sports Club 2-0 via the tie-breaker to clinch the 12th Bebe Costa Memorial Soccer Trophy, organised by United Club of Benaulim, at St John the Baptist ground, Dando-Benaulim on Sunday
Maina were favourites to win the finals with several experienced players in their ranks but Varca fought gallantly but ultimately succumbed in the traumatic penalty shootout.
Maina extended pressure from the start through striker Stephen Fernandes and Anthony Cardozo but stubborn defending by Varca’s Columban Noronha and Dylon Lima kept the score blank in the first session.
Crossing ends, Maina dominated the play but couldn’t break the resolute Varca defence. At the other end, Varca came close through striker Jonas Costa but his effort went wide. Midway through, Maina defender Savio Fernandes went up for a flag kick and his header flew inches over the bar.
In the closing stages, Varca winger Joylon Cordozo on receiving a fine pass from medio Quelon Fernandes, struck a left footer which was well collected by alert Maina goal keeper Johnson Bhagat.
In the tie-breaker, Maina Curtorim netted through Edwin Sequeira and Placidino Fernandes while Joy Hilario blasted wide for Varca with Elvis Fernandes, Dylon Lima, Joylon Cardozo and Columban Noronha all failing in their attempts
Maina SC, Curtorim were richer by Rs 40,000 and a trophy while Varca Sports Club had to be content with Rs 30,000 and runners-up trophy.
Costa and Companies Managing Director Indra Costa was the chief guest of the finals and gave away the prizes to the winners and runners-up in the presence of Episcopal Vigar South Goa and Parish Priest of St John the Baptist Church, Benaulim Rev Fr Lucio Dias, Benaulim MLA Caetano R Silva, Benaulim Sarpanch Remy Fernandes and other panch members.
