MARGAO
Navelim Villagers Union emerged as the champions of the 25th All Goa Our Lady of Merces 8-a-side Inter-Village Football Tournament, defeating Ambelim Sports Club 1-0 in a tightly contested final. The tournament, organized by Sirlim Sports Club, took place at the Chinchinim Church ground.
In early action, Navelim's Clinton saw his header expertly saved by Ambelim's goalkeeper, Ozen Silva in the 5th minute. The game was predominantly battled in the midfield, with Navelim’s strikers frequently testing Silva with long-range efforts. The first half ended in a goalless stalemate.
The second half saw Navelim’s Rovan Pereira miss a clear opportunity in the 35th minute. However, Clinton Niasso finally broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute, giving Navelim the lead.
Despite receiving a yellow card in the 47th minute and a subsequent red card for a dangerous tackle shortly after, Navelim’s defence remained resolute. Ambelim could not exploit their numerical advantage, and the match concluded with Navelim Villagers Union securing a narrow 1-0 victory.
The winners received a cash prize of Rs 60,000 along with a trophy and medals, while the runners-up were awarded Rs 50,000, a trophy, and medals. The prize distribution ceremony was graced by chief guest Bernard Pereira, former ABCD of Vasco Sports Club. The event was also attended by Dr Caetano Jose Fernandes, GFA President; Cruz Silva, MLA of Velim Constituency; Chrysler D'Souza, Chaplain of Our Lady of Merces Chapel; Raju Cabral, Andrew Ferrao, GFA Executive Member; and Benjamin Silva, former MLA of Velim Constituency, along with other dignitaries and club officials.
AWARDS
Inaugural Goal of the Tournament: Sairon Albuquerque (United Club of Verna), Youngest Player of the Tournament: Keith Rodrigues (United Sports Club Seraulim), Most Promising Player of the Tournament: Garrison (Arlem Youth Association), Best Discipline Team: Benfica Youth Club, Best Losing Team: Candolim Sports Club, Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Pravesh (Fr Agnel Youth Club Paroda), Best Defender of the Tournament: William Niaso (Davorlim Sports Club), Best Midfielder of the Tournament: Chadel Fernandes (Dramapur Sports Club), Best Striker of the Tournament: Hanslum Furtardo (Don Bosco Oratory Fatorda), Man of the Match: Venito Costa (Navelim Villagers Union), 1st Goal of the Finals: Clinton Niasso (Navelim Villagers Union), Farewell Goal of the Finals: Clinton Niasso (Navelim Villagers Union), Best Goalkeeper of the Finals: Ozen Silva (Ambelim Sports Club), Best Defender of the Finals: Velington D'Silva (Navelim Villagers Union), Best Midfielder of the Finals: Asfin Pinto (Ambelim Sports Club), Best Striker of the Finals: Valington Almeida (Navelim Villagers Union).
