Team Herald
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PANJIM: 10-man Vasco Veterans blanked Chinchinim Veterans 2-0 to clinch the Brian Mendes Memorial Trophy in the All Goa veterans football tournament organised by Viva North Goa Veterans at Dr. Gustavo Monteiro ground, Candolim, recently.
Vasco’s vibrancy came in patches in the first half and their live wire Vishant Pedekar nearly found the nets in the 28th minute but his try was saved by the Chinchinim’s keeper Francis at the expense of a corner.
With seconds away from the breather, Vasco had a golden opportunity to forge ahead but Ramesh failed to head the ball in off a Xavier free kick with only the keeper Francis at his mercy.
Changing over, Chinchinim continued their domination over Vasco.
Maria Rebello, India’s first women professional referee gave marching orders to Vasco’s international star Remy Colaco, for verbal abuse of the referee. With Vasco reduced to 10-man as red carded Remy Colaco left the pitch, Chinchinim were in command due to the advantageous position created with Remy’s dismissal, but their forwards just could to penetrate the Vasco cage.
Suddenly much against the run of play, Vasco’s Vishant surprised his teammates and the crowd with a stunner beating the rival keeper Francis. Vishant blasted a 40-yard grounder that traveled past the entire Chinchinim half-line and defence, beating goalkeeper Francis at the right corner of the nets.
Chinchinim, stunned by the goal, just failed to recover, despite Vasco down by a man. Vasco finally brought the curtains down on Chinchinim, with Prakash Chari scoring the second goal of the match off a neat cross from Martin who was very fast on the right flank.
Earlier, Candolim Boys defeated Arpora Boys in the Under-14 exhibition match 4-2. Arjuna Awardee and former India’s captain Brahmanand Shankhwalkar was the chief guest for the final and handed over the trophy to Vasco Veterans captain Anand Adarkar while Bonifacio Mendes presented the runners-up trophy to the captain of Chinchinim Augustine Cardozo.
Bonifacio and Marilyn, brother and sister of late Brian handed over the mementos to the Brian’s teammates of Goa’s 1983 Junior National Champion squad who could make it and grace the occasion. They were captain Augustinho D’Costa, Trevor Paiva, Francis Rodrigues (Shana) and Richard Nunes.
Following individual prizes were awarded: First goal scorer Vishant Pednekar (Vasco); Best scorer Martin Fernandes (Vasco); Best mid-fielder Mario Soares (Chinchinim); Best goalkeeper: Anand Adarkar (Vasco); Man of the final Vishant Pednekar (Vasco); Best defender Sheikh Nazi (Vasco).
Viva North Veterans Football Club President Claude Pacheco delivered the vote of thanks, while National goalkeeper who played for Dempo Sports Club, Eugenio Cardozo, eulogize the footballing career of Brain.
