Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
RAIA: Sporting Club Davorlim were crowned champions of the Cana Benaulim Panchayat Cup after a dramatic 7-6 victory over Guardian Angel Sports Club via tie-breaker in a rain-soaked final played at the packed St John the Baptist ground, Dando-Benaulim, on Sunday.
Football fever gripped the massive Sunday crowd, who were treated to a thrilling contest full of passion and resilience. Sporting Club Davorlim got off to a strong start, asserting control with sharp passing and aggressive pressing. Their efforts bore fruit in the 22nd minute when Alent Colaco fired home a clinical finish, giving Sporting Club Davorlim a deserved 1-0 lead going into half-time.
However, Guardian Angel SC lived up to their reputation for grit and determination. In the second half, they launched wave after wave of attacks, and were rewarded when Cyril Dias calmly converted a penalty, bringing the score to 1-1 and setting up a dramatic finish. With neither side able to break the deadlock in the regulation time, the final was decided by a tense penalty shoot-out.
In the tie-breaker, Sporting Club Davorlim held their nerves to prove to be the better shooters, converting their chances with clinical precision and emerged victorious to clinch the prestigious trophy.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by dignitaries including Fr Nicholas (Delhi Archdiocese), Fr Johnsie Colaco, Sarpanch Xavier Pereira, Goa Football Association (GFA) Vice-President Anthony Pango and GFA Executive Member Anthony Leo Fernandes, club officials and other
dignitaries.
Later, St Sebastian Union Club President David Fernandes delivered the vote of thanks.