Ambelim SC players receive the winners' trophy.
MARGAO
Ambelim SC were crowned champions of 1st VJT Cup 2023 Trophy after beating Cuncolim Union 5-4 via sudden death in a thrilling penalty shootout in the finale of the tournament organized by Enfermos Sports Club Sinquetem at Church Ground, Chinchinim on Sunday.
The match went down to the wire as both teams scored four goals each in the tiebreaker, forcing a sudden death situation. Ambelim SC held their nerve and scored the decisive goal, while Cuncolim Union missed their chance to equalize.
The first half was a tense affair as both teams tried to break the deadlock, but failed to find the back of the net. Bradley Carvalho of Cuncolim Union was the most dangerous player on the pitch, testing the Ambelim defence with his pace and skill. However, Ambelim's goalkeeper Ozen Silva was up to the task, making some crucial saves to keep his team in the game. Ambelim also had some chances to score, but Cuncolim's defence was equally resilient, dominating the possession and thwarting their attacks. The halftime whistle blew with the scoreline still 0-0.
The second half saw Ambelim adopt a more aggressive approach, putting more pressure on Cuncolim's goal. Both teams created several opportunities to score, but none of them could convert them into goals. The match became more intense and physical as the clock ticked away, but neither team could break the stalemate. The full time whistle signalled the end of a hard-fought battle, with the scoreline still 0-0.
The penalties were a roller coaster ride of emotions for both teams and their fans, as they witnessed some brilliant strikes and saves from both sides. Richard Fernandes, Velroy Fernandes, Lester Fernandes and Gileston Rebello scored for Ambelim SC, while Dailan Carvalho, Mevzen Oliveira, Jollyton Fernandes and Bradley Carvalho scored for Cuncolim Union, sending the match into sudden death.
The sixth penalty was taken by a Cuncolim player, who had the pressure of scoring to keep his team alive but failed to do so, missing the target. His counterpart on the Ambelim side, Ozen Silva, showed great composure and skill to score his goal, handing the victory and the trophy to Ambelim SC.
Ozen Silva of Ambelim SC was named the Best Goalkeeper of the Finals and received a cash prize from Simon Fernandes, Manager of AB InBev. Denvil Fernandes of Cuncolim Union was awarded the Best Defender of the Finals by Fr Christopher Fernandes, Assistant Priest, Our Lady of Hope Church Chinchinim. Mevzen Oliveira of Cuncolim Union was honoured as the Best Midfielder of the Tournament by Fr Victor Viegas, Assistant Priest, Our Lady of Hope Church Chinchinim. Bradley Carvalho of Cuncolim Union was recognized as the Best Forward of the Finals by Shramila Gracias, Dy Sarpanch of VP Chinchinim. Dailon Carvalho received the prize for scoring the First Goal of the finals from Valentino Baretto, Sarpanch of VP Chinchinim. Shario Gomes of CRC Chinchinim was named the Most Promising Player and received a prize from Anthony Fernandes (Maam), Executive Member of GFA, while his teammate, Chadel Fernandes of CRCC received the prize for Best Playmaker and received a prize from Patwin Fizardo, Executive Member of GFA. The Highest Scorer and 1st Hat-trick prize also went to Shario Gomes of CRC Chinchinim and he received a prize from Fr Camilo Dias, Priest, Ambelim Church.
The semifinalists and runners-up were given cash prizes of Rs 5,000 each by Anthony Pango, Vice President GFA to CRC Chinchinim and by Avertano Furtado, president of Enfermos Sports Club and former Minister for Employment, Fisheries and Labour to Varca SC.
The runners-up Prize of Rs 30,000 and a trophy was presented to Cuncolim Union by Rev Fr Alex D’Souza, Parish Priest, Our Lady of Hope Church Chinchinim. The winners' prize of Rs 40,000 and a trophy was handed over to Ambelim SC by Derrick Periera, the chief guest, technical director and former head coach of FC Goa.
