MARGAO
Hosts Raia Sporting Club lived up to expectations, defeating FC Siolim 2-0 to clinch the title in the 53rd Custodio Memorial Inter-Village Football Tournament at the Raia Panchayat Ground on Wednesday.
Played in front of a festive crowd during the Our Lady of Snow feast celebrations, the final saw Raia SC dominate proceedings and score once in each half to seal a deserving victory.
FC Siolim threatened early when Saideep Pomburphekar found space in just the second minute but failed to convert. Raia responded immediately, with Velito Cruz coming close before the hosts broke the deadlock in the 15th minute. Joyson Gauncar finished clinically past FC Siolim goalkeeper Prajot Fadte to hand Raia the lead.
The hosts continued to control possession and doubled their advantage in the 65th minute when Joyson struck again, completing his brace and putting the result beyond doubt.
Joyson's outstanding performance earned him both the First Scorer of the Final and Man of the Final awards.
The prizes were presented by Fatorda MLA Vijay Sardesai in the presence of former Chief Minister and former South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha, Zilla Parishad member Inacina Pinto, social worker Eng. Roque V. Mascarenhas, Assistant Parish Priest of Raia Church Rev. Fr. Peter D'Souza, along with other dignitaries, club officials and football enthusiasts.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Best Goalkeeper: Jack Madeira (Raia SC)
Best Defender: Lavanya Shirodkar (FC Siolim)
Best Half: Velito Cruz (Raia SC)
Best Forward: Dalesh Pednekar (FC Siolim)
Best Disciplined Team: Dunes SC, Mandrem
Youngest Player of the Tournament: Sneeden Vaz
