Team Herald
PANJIM: Crowd-pullers Nerul Sports Club emerged champions in the 15th London Trophy inter-village football tournament organised by Goa Velha Sports Club defeating hot favourites Ambelim Sports Club 6-5 via the sudden-death tie-breaker in a thrilling encounter at Goa Velha Sports Club ground. There was no score at full time.
Ambelim squandered an opportunity to surge ahead in the 4th minute as Leister Fernandes blasted over off a Vishal Araker cross. Later, in the 10th minute, Nerul goalkeeper Krupesh Bandodkar came up with a superlative save when he saved a Semson Fernandes effort off a Velroid Fernandes cross.
Nerul retaliated but Deu Sangelkar failed to keep his shot on target off an Aniket Agarwadekar pass in the 14th minute. Ransley Gonsalves of Nerul failed to get past the Ambelim goalkeeper following a defence- splitting pass from Deu Sangelkar in the 33rd minute.
After resumption, in the 40th minute, Vishal Araker of Ambelim blasted over. At the other end, in the 46th minute, Deepraj Sangelkar saw his effort being put out for a corner by the Ambelim goalkeeper.
Nerul had a chance in the closing stages but Deu Sangelkar shot wide from close off an Atul More cross.
In the ensuing tie-breaker, Nerul scored through Aniket Agarwadekar, Akash Banaulikar, Prajot Shirodkar, Chaitan Dabholkar, Sainath Kalangutkar and Deu Sangelkar. Atul More's and Deepraj Sangelkar's efforts were saved by the Ambelim goalkeeper.
Ambelim converted through Perryson Fernandes, Asfin Pinto, Leister Fernandes, Ozen Silva and Steno Rebello. Vishal Araker's and Semson Fernandes's efforts were saved by Nerul goalkeeper. Arvind Fernandes shot wide.
Sports Minister Mr Govind Gaude was the chief guest and gave away the winners prize of Rs. 80,000 and the trophy. MLA Viresh Borkar gave away the runners-up prize of Rs. 60,000 and a trophy. Mr. Francisco Silveira, GFA Executive Committee Member Mr. Anthony Francis Vas, Parish Priest Fr. Emidio Pinto, Assistant Parish Priest Fr. Mario Carvalho, Mr. Rajnish Lawande, Mr. Derrick Mendes, Sarpanch, Deputy Sarpanch and Panch Members of St. Andre Panchayat, Managing Committee Members of Casa do Povo, and benefactors from the United Kingdom were the special guests.
The tournament was sponsored by the Villagers of Goa Velha in United Kingdom.
Following individual prizes sponsored by Stanley Lopes were awarded.
First scorer of final - Aniket Agarwadekar (Nerul). Best goalkeeper of final - Zen Silva (Ambelim). Best defender of final - Akash Banaulikar (Nerul). Best midfielder - Perryson Fernandes (Ambelim). Best forward - Asfin Pinto (Ambelim). Man-of-the match - Krupesh Bandodkar (Nerul). Player-of the tournament - Charnel Fernandes (Saligao United).