PANJIM: Vasco Veterans defeated Bardez Veterans 6-5 in the penalty shoot-out to win the 16th Diogo Vaz Memorial Veterans soccer tournament organised by Don Bosco Alumni at Don Bosco School grounds, Panjim, on Saturday.
At full time the match was tied 1-1. Both teams played a goalless but competitive first half.
In the second session Bardez drew first blood when Alwyn Fernandes latched on to a Bruno Coutinho through ball to beat Avertano Furtado in the Vasco goal with a neat grounder.
Vasco retaliated immediately as Derrick Pereira took control of a Lawrence Gomes pass and after advancing to the top of the Bardez box unleashed a pile driver which keeper Jude Fernandes just managed to parry for Vishant Pednekar to slam into the nets.
In the penalty shoot-out Vasco held their nerves and converted all their five kicks through Vishant Pednekar, Shaikh Niazi, Xavier Colaco, Nelson Landez, Derrick Gomes. For Bardez Fausto Lobo, Alwyn Fernandes, Domnic D’Souza, and Elvis Perieira scored with Jude Fernandes shot into the hand of keeper Nelson Landez.
The following special prizes were awarded: Best Keeper- Avertano Furtado (Vasco); Best Defender- Elvis Pereira (Bardez), Best Midfielder- Lawrence Gomes (Vasco) and Best Striker- Alwyn Fernandes (Bardez).
Vishant Pednekar was awarded the Man of the Match. The winners received a trophy and Rs 17000 and the runners-up a trophy and Rs12000.
Earlier the teams were introduced to the Chief Guest Dr Bossuet Afonso, eminent surgeon and a Don Bosco Alumni along with the guests of honour Fr Savio Gomes, Rector Don Bosco, Fr Avin Carvalho, Principal Don Bosco, Oscar Bruzon, head coach of Sporting Clube de Goa and Peter Vaz, President Sporting Clube de Goa and also an Alumni.
