Team Herald
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RAIA: Navelim Villagers Union emerged victorious in a nail-biting 7-6 tie-breaker win against St Anthony’s Club, Colva, in the 17th London Trophy inter-village football tournament 2025. The match, organised by Goa Velha Sports Club, witnessed an intense battle between the two sides before being decided by penalties.
The match started at a brisk pace, with both teams displaying attacking intent. Velington Almeida put Navelim Villagers Union ahead in the 25th minute, slotting the ball past Colva goalkeeper Rio Rebelo with a well-taken finish. Despite Colva’s efforts to level the score before the break, Navelim held on to their 1-0 lead at half-time.
St Anthony’s Club responded strongly in the second half, pressing forward in search of an equaliser. Their persistence paid off when Clayton Fernandes found the back of the net, beating Navelim goalkeeper Selvin Gomes to level the scoreline. With neither team able to break the deadlock in regulation time, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout.
The tie-breaker saw both teams holding their nerve in a tense exchange of spot-kicks. Navelim Villagers Union converted their penalties through Nash Pereira, Ronaldo Pereira, Nash Luis, Aiden Pereira, Meliston Dias, and Rehan Sayed.
Meanwhile, St Anthony’s Club successfully converted their penalties through Beavan Goes, Cain Fernandes, Samson Gomes, Kabir Khan, and Shawn Thattazhi. However, the decisive moment came when Calburn Fernandes’ effort was saved by Navelim keeper Selvin Gomes, sealing a 7-6 victory for Navelim Villagers Union.
Velington Almeida was awarded the man-of-the-match by Jose Silva, a member of Goa Velha Sports Club.