MARGAO
Pele's Benaulim rallied from a goal down to win the maiden Nazaziano Fernandes Memorial Veterans Soccer final via the tiebreaker, beating hosts Cavelossim Veterans 3-2 in the tournament organised by Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim at Fr Druston and Wellington ground, Cavelossim.
Clear sky and dry weather helped the teams to play with short passes. However, both the keepers, Rosario and Manoj Kesarkar were tough nuts to crack, keeping their slate clean. Cavelossim drew the first blood in the 15th minute. Jana Da Costa, receiving a pass from Agnelo Passanha at the centre, fired a powerful shot into the top right corner for the lead, 1-0. Hardly had the cheers died down when Charlie D'Silva, with an assist from Nicholas on the half line, fired the equaliser beating Rosario Monteiro under the Cavelossim bar.
Crossing over, Cavelossim maintained sustained pressure with their player of the tournament Raju Cardozo taking five goal-bound tries which either were collected or punched over brilliantly by keeper Manoj Kesarkar, earning him the best goalkeeper prize. Pele Fernandes and Marciano Silva played well for Benaulim while Lawry and Sheriff shone for Cavelossim Veterans.
In the tiebreaker, Judas Fernandes, Nicholas Rodrigues and Charlie D'Silva made no mistake with their spot kicks, while Raju Cardozo and Charles Rodrigues scored for Cavelossim. The all-rounder Nicholas as stand-in keeper produced the magic moment in blocking Jana Da Costa's penalty that helped Pele's Benaulim to inscribe their name on the Nazaziano Memorial Trophy. Individual prizes: Best goalkeeper - Manoj Kesarkar of Benaulim, Best half - Nicholas Rodrigues of Benaulim, Best defender - Cipriano Da Costa of Cavelossim, First scorer of the final - Jana Da Costa.
Dionizio Dias, ex-sarpanch and GFA treasurer, along with Maruska Dias, daughter of late Nazaziano Fernandes (ex-international footballer) were the honoured guests. Also present were Fr Saude Pereira, Bosco Crasto and Solomon Mendes, proprietor of Milmar Sams Family Restaurant, Assolna. The tournament was sponsored by the family members of late Nazaziano Fernandes and his admirers including Vally Crasto, Tony Cardozo, Tarun D'Souza, Ramu Rao of Hero Honda, Delhi and Daryl Dias.
Earlier organising committee chairman and club vice-chairman Viano Rodrigues welcomed the guests and club chairman Viriato Mendes proposed a vote of thanks. The final was watched by a good Sunday crowd and was telecast live on Facebook by social media expert Nixon Diniz.
