MARGAO
B D G emerged champions of the inaugural Cavelossim Cup 2026 after edging giant-killers Bandoi Boys 3-2 in a thrilling final organised by Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim and played under floodlights at Fr Druston and Wellington ground in Cavelossim.
B D G opened the scoring in the eighth minute after a close-range effort by Vimson Pereira was handled by Davin Vaz inside the box. Joshua Pereira calmly converted the resultant penalty to put his side ahead 1-0.
Bandoi Boys responded strongly and restored parity through Vinayak, who latched onto a long pass from Alex Rodrigues before firing past B D G goalkeeper Poly Pereira to make it 1-1. They then took the lead in the second half when Aston Vaz made a solo run from midfield and neatly chipped the ball over the advancing goalkeeper, 2-1.
However, B D G bounced back almost immediately as Vimson Pereira headed home from a floated pass by Charlton to level the score at 2-2. With the match seemingly heading towards a tiebreaker, B D G captain Sharief Jacques struck a stunning winner from the left flank to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory and the inaugural title along with a cash prize of Rs 15,000.
Miracle Boys of Mobor were adjudged the best losing team. Joshua Pereira of B D G won the first scorer award, while Poly Pereira was named best goalkeeper. Maclan Vaz was declared the best player of the final.
The prizes were presented by club president Raju Cardozo and managing committee members Dionizio Dias, Anthony Santani, Glenn Gracias, Agnelo Passanha, Anthony Vaz and Minguel Rodrigues. Club secretary Francis Rodrigues proposed the vote of thanks.
The tournament, conducted under floodlights, witnessed a large turnout of spectators.
