Navelim Villagers champs

MARGAO: Hosts Navelim Villagers Union rallied from behind to defeat Rossman Cruz Nagoa Sports Club 6-4 via the tie-breaker to win the all-Goa Bernardo Furtado Memorial inter-village football tournament organized by Navelim Villagers Union, at Rosary ground, Navelim, on Wednesday. The teams were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation period.

Rossman Cruz broke the deadlock in the eighth minute when Savio Fernandes punished the rival goalkeeper with a snap shot. 

Navelim Villagers Union intensified their attacks and 12 minutes later, Wilton Gomes neutralized the lead with a left-footer.

In the ensuing penalty shoot-out, Wilton Gomes, Jaison Pereira, Rovell Gomes, Clinton Niasso and Delrich Gomes converted for Navelim Villagers Union while Savio Fernandes, Stanley Pereira and Santan Rego scored for Rosssman Cruz.

Navelim Villagers Union were richer by Rs 40,000 while Rossman Cruz Nagoa Sports Club had to settle for Rs 30,000. The losing semi-finalists, Curtorim Gymkhana and United Club of Benaulim were awarded Rs 5000 each.

Following are the individual prizes: First soccer of the final Savio Fernandes (Rossman Cruz SC), Best goalkeeper of the final and Promising player of the tournament Dalwin Costa (Navelim Villagers Union), Best defender Jordon Gomes (Navelim Villagers Union), Best midfielder Ajay Satarkar (Rossman Cruz SC), Best striker Santan Rego (Rossman Cruz SC)

Minister for Rural Development Agency, Mickky Pacheco was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of guest of honour Fisheries Minster Avertano Furtado; Fr Joao Jose Roque Gonsalves, parish priest of Rosary church, Navelim and special invitees Edwin Cardozo Cipru, zilla panchayat member, Navelim constituency; Frank Fernandes, sarpanch VP Navelim; Telaulim Sarpanch Duarte Pires and Schubert Furtado GFA Vice-president (South).

Earlier, Bishut Themudo president of Navelim Villagers Union welcomed. Pelegrino Pires proposed the vote of thanks. In all, 16 teams participated.