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Ambelim Sports Club were crowned champions at the 16th All Goa Chinchinim-Deussua Village Panchayat Cup inter village football tournament organised by Club Recreativo E Cultural de Chinchinim. Ambelim beat Cuncolim Union 2-1 in a thrilling final at Church ground, Chinchinim on Sunday. The highlight of the summit clash was a brilliant brace by striker Samson Simoes.
Incessant rains throughout the day made the playing conditions difficult for the teams as the players had a torrid time in adjusting to the soggy conditions at the ground. However Ambelim took early control of the match and their attack line pressurised the Cuncolim Union defence. The Ambelim midfield meanwhile cancelled and intercepted the Cuncolim attacks.
Ambelim took the lead in the 22nd minute when Samson slotted past the rival goalkeeper with a snap shot, giving no chance to the rival custodian. However their joy was short-lived as Wellington D'Souza neutralised the lead with a stiff shot in the 25th minute.
Crossing over, both the teams showed urgency and made a flurry of attacks. Cuncolim had a chance to find the lead but Wellington D'Souza's long ranger sailed over the crossbar much to the dismay of Cuncolim supporters. Unfettered by the equaliser, Ambelim Sports Club were still a confident lot even as the time on the clock ticked away. With 10 minutes left for the final whistle, Samson struck the match winner to send the Ambelim supporters into raptures as he registered
his brace.
Ambelim Sports Club took home a cash purse of Rs 40,000 and the winners trophy while Cuncolim Union bagged Rs 30,000 and a trophy. In all 16 teams participated in the tournament.
Minister for Town and Country Planning Vijai Sardessai was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence Rev Fr Jose Antonio Costa, parish priest of Our Lady of Hope Church, Chinchinim.
Flory Pereira, Sarpanch VP Chinchinim-Deussua; Valentino Baretto, Deputy Sarpanch; Mancy Rodrigues, Zilla Panchayat Member, and other panchas of VP Chinchinim-Deussua were also present for the prize presentation function.
