Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
CALANGUTE: In a nail-biting final that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Raia Sports Club emerged victorious in the Calangute Association tournament, defeating St Sebastian Sports Club, Mapusa, 5-4, in a dramatic penalty shootout following a goalless draw in regulation time.
The intense finale, played before an energetic and enthusiastic crowd, was a true showcase of grit, discipline and footballing spirit. From the very first whistle, both sides demonstrated strategic prowess and defensive resilience. Although both teams created several goal-scoring opportunities, neither could find the breakthrough, resulting in a tense deadlock at the end of regulation time. With the title hanging in the balance, the match proceeded to penalties, where nerves of steel were required.
Ultimately, it was Raia Sports Club who held theirs better, converting all five of their spot-kicks with precision. St Sebastian SC, despite a valiant effort, missed a crucial penalty, handing Raia SC a hard-fought and well-deserved championship victory. Chief guest SP ANC Sunita Sawant praised both teams for their skill, spirit, and sportsmanship before presenting the championship trophy to the triumphant Raia Sports Club. The runners-up trophy was awarded to St Sebastian SC by Padmakumar Nair, president of the Calangute Association.
Among the dignitaries present were Alex Coutinho (local panch member), Sapnesh Vaigankar, Mathias Paulo Dsouza and Savio Gonsalves.
The event was organised by the Calangute Association, under the leadership of President Padmakumar Nair, Vice President Gajanan S Kerkar, general secretary Ryan J C de F Mascarenhas, joint secretary Shaunak S P Valawalkar, treasurer Gabriel Lester Fernandes, assistant treasurer Bento LG de Souza, entertainment secretary Anthony Ambrose D’Souza, assistant entertainment secretary Agnelo Andrew Fernandes, sports secretary Marcelino Fernandes and assistant sports secretary Adv Edward Carvalho. Executive members included Agnelo Rosario D’Souza, Alirio B Lobo and Edward Vincent Pinto.
The tournament was graced by legendary figures from Goan football, including Bruno Coutinho, Alex Miranda, Anthony D’Souza, Domnic D’Souza, Eddie Fernandes, Agustin Rodrigues, Seby Noronha, Digamber Haldankar, Domnic Pereira, Marcelin Fernandes, and Alirio Lobo.