MARGAO
Nerul SC were crowned champions of the 35th All Goa St Anne’s Festival Inter-Village Soccer 2025 after defeating SAI Avtar Anjuna 6-5 in a thrilling tiebreaker in the final held at the Animal Husbandry Ground, Curti-Ponda, on Sunday.
The tournament, organised by Ponda Footballers and supported by the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), was powered by Bhatikar Charitable Trust and Rising Ponda. Over 2,000 spectators gathered to watch the intense contest between two strong teams from North Goa.
The match ended goalless after regulation time, with both teams showcasing solid defensive strategies. Despite numerous opportunities, key chances from Kreepal Dhargalkar (SAI Avtar) and Nikhil Naik (Nerul SC) went off target, leaving the match to be decided by a penalty shootout.
In the tiebreaker, Nerul SC held their composure and emerged victorious, converting more penalties than their opponents.
The chief guest, Dr Ketan Bhatikar, presented the prizes to the winners and runners-up. Dignitaries in attendance included Fr Francis Rosario, Derreck Pereira (Gokulam FC Coach), Josito Cabral, Dr Rama Prabhu (Assistant Director of Animal Husbandry), Uday Lingutkar, Babli Mandrekar, and other club officials.
A special felicitation ceremony was held to honour Derrick Pereira, the renowned football coach, for his significant contributions to Goan football.
AWARDS
- Best Defender: Akshay Vengulkar (SAI Avtar Anjuna), Best Striker: Chetan Dhobolkar (Nerul SC), Best Midfielder: Aman (Nerul SC), Best Goalkeeper: Soma Korgaonkar (SAI Avtar Anjuna), Man of the Match: Deu Sangelkar (Nerul SC).
