Team Herald
MAPUSA: St Anthony’s SC Marna registered a solitary goal win over Merces Football Club to clinch Anjuna Gymkhana Cup organized by Anjuna Gymkhana Sports Club, at Anjuna Gymkhana ground, on Sunday.
In a well contested final, the large crowd witnessed fast pace encounter where the first session was full of action.
In the 15th minute, St Anthony’s Joel Fernandes corner was smartly headed by Claudio Rodrigues which rebounded off the upright.
At the other end, Jayendra Kunkolienkar set up Newton Azavedo on the right flank that almost beat the advancing St Anthony’s SC keeper Sahil Chari with an intelligent lob, but the ball went just over the crossbar.
As the match progressed, both the keepers came to their teams rescue as Sangam Pednekar’s free kick was saved by Merces FC keeper Nihal Kunkolkar, while at the other end Shashank Naik shot from close was saved by St Anthony’s SC keeper Sahil.
On crossing over, play was restricted to midfield, with just two close attempts at the goals.
In the closing stages of the match, Merces FC’s Newton Azavedo moved dangerously almost from the center and on entering the rival penalty box latched a hot blooded shot which to everyone’s surprise rebounded off the goal post.
In a counter attack, substitute Anthony D’Souza getting hold to a pass from Sangam drove a long ranger which dipped into the goal, beating Merces FC keeper, 1-0.
St Anthony’s SC went home richer with the winner’s cash prize of Rs 40,000 plus trophy, while Merces FC had to be content with Rs 30,000 plus trophy.
Individual prizes were awarded to: First goal scorer of the final: Anthony D’Souza (St Anthony’s SC Marna), Youngest player of the tournament: Pavan (Anjuna Gymkhana), Best manager: John, Best defender: Claudio Rodrigues, Man-of-the-Match: Joel Fernandes, Best goalkeeper: Sahil Chari (all St Anthony’s SC Marna), Best Striker: Newton Azavedo (Merces FC) and best discipline team: Goa Velha.
At the start of the match, Anjuna Gymkhana’s executive members introduced the chief guest Paresh Naik, police inspector of Anjuna Police Station; guest of honour Mir Das and Mandar Rao Desai, FC Goa player, special invitees Pedro Mendonca, Rupesh, to the players and team officials.
Roysal D’Souza, president of Anjuna Gymkhana welcomed the gathering while Gaspar Braganza, vice president, proposed the vote of thanks and compered.
