MARGAO
The reigning champions, Bethany Convent, secured a decisive 2-0 victory against St Joseph's Educational Institute Chandor in the 2nd All Goa Inter School Football Tournament organised by the St Joseph's Ex-Students' Association, Chandor at the Chandor Church ground.
The match saw an intense battle between the two schools, with Chandor fortunate to escape an early setback when Bethany's Treston's powerful shot struck the crossbar. A missed opportunity by Ayan Sheikh of St Joseph Chandor further highlighted the competitive spirit on the field. Despite Chandor's efforts to assert dominance, a shot wide from the goal area by Reldon kept the score level at 0-0 by halftime.
However, after the break, Bethany's Josley Gomes changed the game's dynamic. In the 28th minute, he was brought down in the box by a Chandor defender, leading to a penalty which he expertly converted, giving Bethany the lead. Chandor fought hard for an equalizer, but Josley's second goal sealed the victory for Bethany, securing them the tournament trophy.
The awards ceremony was graced by chief guest Rev Fr Jean Cruz Fernandes, guest of honour Ciete D’Cunha, Headmistress of St Joseph Educational Institute, and several dignitaries such as Sudin Verenkar, President of Goa Table Tennis Association, Sonia Fernandes, Sarpanch of Guirdolim, and Estefanio Dias, Sarpanch of Chandor.
Individual awards were also presented, with Vledmer Gomes of St Joseph awarded the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament, Slanzen Endro of Bethany recognised as the Best Defender, and Josley Gomes of Bethany honoured as the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament. Other awards included Best Forward of the Tournament awarded to Meckenzil Oliveira and Best Goalkeeper of the Finals presented to Slanzen Andrew.
Vice President Egido D’Costa welcomed the attendees, while Secretary of the ex-students association Darwin Cardoso delivered the vote of thanks. Inacio Noronha of O Herald O was also recognised for his contribution to the ex-students association with a memento presented by Vice President Egidio.
