MARGAO: United Club of Verna registered a hard-fought 4–3 victory over Saligao United via a tie-breaker to advance to the quarterfinals of the 18th London Trophy Inter-Village Football Tournament 2026, organized by Goa Velha Sports Club and sponsored by the villagers of Goa Velha based in the United Kingdom.
Saligao United took the lead in the 41st minute through Nelson Monteiro. However, United Club of Verna responded quickly, with Nevil Menezes scoring the equaliser in the 44th minute to make it 1–1 before halftime. Both teams continued to battle hard in the second half, but neither side could find the winning goal as regulation time ended level.
The match was eventually decided through a penalty shootout. United Club of Verna converted their attempts through Arfan Sayed, Joasle Fernandes, Hilton Fernandes and Vegan Calado. Saligao United managed to score through Charnel Fernandes, Shane Gaad and Nelson Monteiro, while Earl Sequeira and Blaise D’Cruz missed their chances.
Nevil Menezes of United Club of Verna was adjudged Man of the Match. The award was presented by Stanley Lopes, player and life member of Goa Velha Sports Club based in the United Kingdom, and was sponsored by Joshua and Philbert Lopes.
