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MAPUSA: Verna Veterans were stretched into the sudden death before they finally got the better of Fatorda Veterans by 5-4 margin to clinch the 3rd All Goa Siolim Veterans Football Trophy tournament, organised by Siolim Veterans and sponsored by Francis Fernandes, at Siolim ground, on Sunday.
The Salcete derby was witnessed by a large Sunday crowd in the midst of yesteryears invitees ace players Brahamanda Sankwalkar, Bruno Coutinho, Samir Naik, Marcus Carvalho, Bosco Monteiro, Salvador (Salu) and Johnny Lobo.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw with Eusebio Fernandes putting Verna Veterans ahead in the very 5th minute of play by dribbling past the defenders and onrushing Fatorda goalkeeper.
However, it did not take long for Fatorda to level terms when Anthony Levino Pereira scored a gem of a goal with a 25-yard strike which slipped from the gloves of Verna custodian to make it, 1-1.
As the match progressed, Verna’s Jess Cardozo three shots and Ricardo Carvalho strike at the goal was brilliantly saved by Fatorda goalkeeper Socorro Miranda.
With the match ending in a 1-1 draw, the penalty shoot-out was enforced where Verna Veterans proved to be better shooters winning the tie-breaker by 4-3 margin.
Francis Fernandes, along with chief guest Goa Police former superintendent of police Allan De Sa, guest of honour Arjuna Awardee Brahmanand Sankhwalkar, Arjuna Awardee Bruno Coutinho, Parish Priest of Siolim Fr Socorro Mendes and Dempo Sports Club Head Coach Samir Naik, presented the Verna Veterans cash prize Rs 77,777 and winners’ trophy and to Fatorda Veterans cash prize of Rs 55,555 plus trophy.
Third place Rs 25,000 to Verem Veterans and fourth place to Siolim Veterans Rs 20,000. Later, Elison Fernandes proposed a vote of thanks, while Carasol D’Souza compered.
