MARGAO
United Boys of Ambaulim edged out Union of Chinchinim Villagers 10-9 in a nail-biting tiebreaker to lift the 3rd Fr Bruno Leitao Memorial Inter-Village Football Tournament at Our Lady of Hope Church ground, Chinchinim, on Sunday. The thrilling finale was witnessed by over 3,000 spectators.
Both teams were locked 2-2 at the end of regulation and extra time. United Boys missed two early chances through Crimson and Flexon Fernandes, before Felixon Fernandes struck in the 20th minute to give them the lead. Chinchinim equalised in the 39th through Seagmond Rebello.
Rebello struck again in the 48th minute to put Union of Chinchinim 2-1 ahead, but Alex Fernandes restored parity for Ambaulim in extra time. With the score tied, the contest was decided on penalties, where Ambaulim held their nerve to emerge champions.
Individual awards were presented: Best Goalkeeper – Sunny Fernandes (Chinchinim); Best Defender – Leslie Costa (Chinchinim); Best Midfielder – Om Raikar (Chinchinim); Best Forward – Sowell Fernandes (Ambaulim); Player of the Final – Seagmond Rebello (Chinchinim). The winners received a cash prize of Rs 40,000 and a trophy, while the runners-up were awarded Rs 30,000 and a trophy.
The chief guest, Fr Alex D’Souza, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Hope Church, handed over the prizes, along with guest of honour Tanuja V N Dessai, Principal of The Kings School. Other dignitaries present included MLAs Cruz Silva and Alton D’Costa, former MLAs Benjamin Silva and Avertano Furtado, sarpanch Frank Viegas, ZP member Julio Fernandes, PI Diego Gracias, and several parish priests and local leaders.
