PANJIM: Parish Youth, Nuvem prevailed over Navelim Sporting Club 6-5 via tie-breaker in the final to emerge champions in the 38th Cana Benaulim football tournament organized by Cana Benaulim Sporting Association, at St John the Baptist ground, Dando-Benaulim, on Sunday.
Nuvem led 1-0 at the breather. The teams adopted an aggressive approach and kept the Sunday crowd on their toes.
Navelim had a golden chance to surge ahead in the early moments but striker Alvito Colaco squandered with only rival goalkeeper at his mercy. Nuvem surged ahead in the 12th minute after striker Presley Colaco slotted past the rival goalkeeper with a neat placement off an assist from Jerose Olveira.
With the setback, Navelim pressed more men in search of an equalizer but they lacked fire power upfront.
Post resumption, Navelim neutralized after being awarded a spot-kick. Striker Avelon Gomes was brought down by Nuvem defender Richard Colaco inside the penalty area, prompting the match referee to award a penalty.
Midfielder Wilton Gomes stepped up and sent Nuvem goalkeeper Francis Fernandes the wrong way, 1-1.
In the ensuing penalty shoot-out, Remmy Colaco, Inacio Colaco, John Dias, Richard Colaco and Schubert Colaco scored for Nuvem while Bitu Singh, Wilton Gomes, Allwyn Fernandes and Chrisley Costa converted for Navelim.
Nuvem were richer by Rs 75,005 while Navelim had to settle for Rs 55,005.
Individual prizes were awarded to Best striker Avelon Gomes (Navelim), Best goalkeeper Francis Fernandes, Best forward Presley Colaco, Best midfielder Jose Colaco, Best player Francis Fernandes (all Nuvem) and Best disciplined team St Anthony’s Sports Club, Marna-Siolim.
Nuvem Constituency MLA Mickky Pacheco was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of Benaulim Constituency MLA Caitano Caitu Silva, Chairman of Goa Meat Complex Lyndon Monteiro and special invitees Bruno Coutinho, Minguel Rodrigues and Maria Rebello.
Lusofonia Games football heroes Meldon D’Silva was felicitated while Brendon Fernandes was not present.
