South Goa United Club SC, the winners of Vedanta U-15 Youth Cup.
MARGAO
South Goa United Club of Sports and Culture prevailed over FC Goa 5-4 via penalties to win the Vedanta Youth Cup under-15 football tournament at Sinquetim Ground, Navelim on Sunday. South Goa United led 1-0 at the break.
FC Goa held the upper hand and created several forays into the rival territory but their forwards fumbled at crucial moments. At the other end, South Goa United forwards also harrassed the rival defence. Their efforts bore fruit in the 15th minute when Alex Fernandes' curling shot gave no chance to the rival goalkeeper Gourav Shetty. Stung by the setback, FC Goa tried to regroup but South Goa United frustrated their attacks with neat tackles.
Crossing over, FC Goa were a transformed side and made a couple of forays into the rival territory. In the 58th minute, midfielder Sam Pereira unleashed a snapshot which crashed into the net. Both teams then pressed hard in the second half but the 1-1 stalemate prevailed in regulation time.
In the ensuing penalty shootout, Jayden Xavier Pinto, Allan Miranda, Casvino Fernandes and Elton Fernandes were on target for South Goa United while Lesvin Rebello, Freden Mendes and substitute Sweedon Costa found the mark for FC Goa.
South Goa United won a prize of Rs one lakh while FC Goa bagged Rs 70,000. Belgaum Sports Academy claimed Rs 10,000 as a fair play award.
Individual prizes: Best Goalkeeper - Gourav Shetty of FC Goa, Player of the Final - Rhyce Francis Baretto of South Goa United, Best Forward - Jayden Pinto of South Goa United, Best Midfielder - Sam Pereira of FC Goa.
