Team Herald
NAVELIM: Mormugao Zone beat Ilhas Zone 1-0 to win the Dempo Cup by organised by Goa Veterans Football Club, played at Rosary Church ground, Navelim, on Monday.
The all important goal was scored by Agostinho Mesquita in the 50th minute of play.
Both the teams started on a cautious note with the ball confined mostly to midfield play. Vishant Pednekar came close to scoring in the 10th minute of play with his powerful attempt from almost 30 yards which missed the Ilhas goal by inches. With both teams not ready to give an inch, the first half ended goalless.
In the second half, both the teams went in search of a goal.
Pascoal Pereira was closely marked by Nelson Landez. Levino Pereira in the Ilhas midfield had to work overtime to create openings.
The Mormugao Zone scored against the run of play when Vishant Pednekar after receiving the ball played it to Derrick Pereira, Derrick Pereira unselfishly played it to Fr. George Dias on the right who played the ball across the goal for Agostinho Mesquita for a simple finish.
With time running out, Ilhas went all out in search of equaliser, but the Mormugao defenders stood firm.
The following prizes were awarded: Best goalkeeper: Anant (Ilhas); Best defender: Nelson Landez (Mormugao); Best Midfielder: Uday Naik (Mormugao). Best Forward: Derrick Pereira (Mormugao). Man-of-the-Match: Levino A Pereira (Ilhas).
Mariano Dias was the Chief Guest and gave away the prizes to the winners and runners-up in the presence of Mickdom Rebello who was the Guest of Honour and Shubert Furtado who was the special invitee.
President of GVFC, Avertano Furtado was also present.
