Team Herald
PANJIM: Ritu Boys clinched the 1st edition of the Aisao Cup futsal tournament, organised by Batista family in memory of Assuncao (Aisao) Batista (Majorda), defeating Sarzora Boys 7-3 in a thrilling final at the Don Bosco Oratory Indoor hall, on Sunday.
It was a keenly contested final, as both the teams started the game with grit and momentum.
The match was fast paced with both sides displaying tactical brilliances and skills too.
However, it was Ritu Boys who took the lead through Lobo early in the game before doubling it through their star player Abranches.
However, Fernandes pulled a goal back to make it 2-1. Sarzora side did everything right, but their sloppy goalkeeping saw them concede their third just before the breather as Ritu Boys led 3-1 at the breather.
Crossing over, the team from the south Goa fought gallantly as their star media Hayden controlled the midfield and troubled the Ritu Boys and successfully managed to reduce the deficit.
But once again a defensive error cost them a goal as Ritu Boys led 4-2 as Dev scored for the winners.
Sarzora tried their luck but Ritu Boys kept their composure in the game scoring three more goals through Abranches, Dev and Allwyn.
Sarzora were outplayed in the final quarter of the game. Sarzora managed to pull another goal back through Kin.
The winners were richer by Rs 55,000 and a trophy, while the runners-up had to be content with Rs 35,000 and a trophy.
Chief guest Reginaldo Lourenco gave away the prizes to the winners while guest of honour Nelly Rodrigues gave away the prizes to the runners-up in the presence of Special invitees CEO Sini Tyre Care Sarvesh Bhagat, CEO Codemax IT Solutions Pvt Ltd Maur Virkar, FC Goa stars Mohammed Ali and Princeton Rebello, CEO Baptista Associates Piedade Baptista, Batista family members and other officials and dignitaries.
Earlier in the semi-finals, Sarzora boys defeated Gridiron 4-2 while Ritu Boys got the better of Lazy Boys 2-1.
Speaking during the prize distribution ceremony, Batista Family organiser Aaron Baptista said, “Congratulations to the Ritu Boys as they deservingly won the crown. We are happy with the first edition and turnout of the teams. The next edition will be even bigger and better. The second edition of the Aisao Cup will be held in June 2020 with a bigger prize amount,” added Aaron.
The following were the individual awards: Player of- the-tournament: Hayden (Sarzora); Most promising player: Pandurang (Iron Wolves); Best goalkeeper: Soma (Ritu Boys); Best pivot: Chatu (Ritu Boys); best defender: Abranches (Ritu Boys).
