MARGAO: Sporting Clube de Goa edge past Churchill Brothers 1-0 to clinch the GFA Knock Out football tournament in the final at government school playground, Cuncolim on Monday.
Midfielder Rowllin Borges made it count for Sporting Clube with gentle push that found in the 28th minute of the opening session.
Both the teams were desperate for an elusive win and made couple of openings. As the match progressed, Sporting Clube took over the control and created many scoring chances.
The all-important goal came in the 28th minute when Trinidad and Tobago striker Anthony Wolfe’s delightful ball from the flank found midfielder Rowllin, who gently tapped it home giving no chance to Churchill Brothers goalkeeper Praveen C.
Five minutes later, Sporting Clube were unlucky when midfielder Cajetan Fernandes unleashed a snap shot which was well blocked by rival goalkeeper Praveen.
Churchill Brothers went all out in search of an equalizer but Nigerian striker Odafe Okolie was the culprit as he failed to beat Sporting Clube goalkeeper Ravi Kumar in a one-to-one situation after Kamaldeep Singh send him on the platter.
Sporting Clube although enjoyed the ball possession and share of exchanges failed to capitalize on the chances. They played well in the opening session but lost their way in the second half.
Post resumption, Churchill Brothers put up a better performance but Nigerian striker Odafe Okolie was the worst offender as he alone muffed three sitters. Churchill Brothers had a golden chance to neutralise the lead but Odafe, with only rival goalkeeper Ravi Kumar at his mercy, shot wide much to the disbelief of Churchill Brothers supporters after Kamaldeep Singh’s try failed.
Odafe spurn another easiest chance as he ballooned over from handshaking distance.
Sporting Clube did guard their lead well to repudiate an equalizer. Again Churchill Brothers had couple of scoring opportunities but Odafe faltered at crucial moments when the rival defence was caught off guard after Micky Fernandes put him through pass. Churchill Brothers nearly found the equalizer but Richard Costa and Nicholas Fernandes missed gilt edged chances.
With the time running out, Sporting Clube nearly doubled the lead but Churchill Brothers goalkeeper Praveen C made brilliant save to deny sure goal.
Sporting Clube were richer by Rs one lakh while Churchill Brothers had to settle for Rs 50,000.
Cuncolim MLA Rajan Naik was the chief guest and gave away the trophies in the presence of Goa Football Association President Elvis Gomes, GFA Vice President (South) Schubert Furtado, President of Sporting Clube de Goa Peter Vaz, GFA executive members Welvino Menezes, Anthony Pango, Sanju Nagvenkar, Arnaldo Costa, Jaju Fernandes and John Silva.
Meanwhile, GFA President Elvis Gomes extended greetings to all the members of the affiliated clubs on the occasion of GFA’s 55th anniversary, today.
Speaking to Herald at the KO Cup final, Gomes informed the Knock Out Cup final was held today specially to commemorate the anniversary.
While congratulating winners Sporting Clube de Goa for winning the trophy, Gomes said, “the contributions from the players, teams, officials, administrators and members towards making the GFA one of the most vibrant associations in the country were valued and the GFA looks forward to tread a path of progress that will include every stake holder.”
“The GFA also thank the government of Goa for supporting “The Beautiful Game” in State and Goa Football Development Council, which is running a youth development programme.”
