BENAULIM: Young Strikers Benaulim edged past San Jose De Areal Sports Club 5-4 in the tie breaker to lift the 9th Cana Benaulim Panchayat Trophy played at St. John Baptist ground Dando, Benaulim, on Sunday.
Rody Fernandes put the local team ahead with just 10 minutes remaining for the final whistle but skipper Bersal Viegas restored parity for Areal right at the death, however in the pulsating penalty shootout goalkeeper Sugitesh Mandrekar was the hero for Benaulim saving two spot kicks to keep the glittering trophy home.
In a gripping encounter, Benaulim held sway in the first session with Elvis Barreto and Faizal Bepari making chances for skipper Nicholas Rodrigues and Joel Fernandes up front.
Areal goalkeeper Joseph Monteiro made crucial interception to deny Joel and Nicholas. The change of ends saw Areal finding their feet but strikers Alvito Moura and Bersal Viegas were unable to find a way past the Benaulim defence.
With time running out, both teams jostled hard for the elusive goal, but in the 61st minute winger Rody Fernandes latched on to a lobbed ball by Nicholas Rodrigues and swept over the onrushing rival goalkeeper Joseph Monteiro to put Benaulim in the lead.
It looked enough for the local team but Areal did not lose hope. Franky Valladares was fouled long way out and the free-kick was floated high into the danger area by Fredrick Dotor hoping someone from his own to get a solid touch and as Benaulim were unable to clear the danger, Bersal Viegas was on hand to stab the ball in a massive goal mouth melee to utter joy of his supporters in the last minute of the match.
In the tie-breaker, Mildred Rebello, Nicholas Rodrigues, Faizal Bepari made no mistakes for Benaulim while Joseph Monteiro, Frankey Valladares and Heston Dias netted for Areal.
When Sidroy Baptist failed for Benaulim their goalkeeper Suketesh MAndrekar stood up and made two spectacular saves in succession to deny Areal’s Bersal Viegas and Agio Antao.
Joel Fernandes netted the decisive fifth spot kick to make Benaulim the champions.
Young Strikers were richer by Rs 40,000 while Sao Jose de Areal had to content with Rs 30,000.
Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of Evencio Quadros MD Quadros Group, Anthony (Mam) Fernandes, Sarpanch Colva, Diella Fernandes, Sarpanch Benaulim, Menino de Bandar, Deputy Sarpanch Benaulim and others.
