DBO Fatorda clinch 26th All Goa Our Lady of Merces football title

MARGAO

Don Bosco Oratory Fatorda were crowned champions of the 26th All Goa Our Lady of Merces Football Tournament after edging past Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club 6-5 in a dramatic penalty shootout, following a 1-1 deadlock at full-time at Chinchinim ground.

The match started with high intensity, and it was Fatorda who struck early. In the 6th minute, Edgar Noronha rose above the Areal defense to head home a precise corner from Cliff Baretto. Sao Jose de Areal responded in style in the 27th minute when Bersel Viegas unleashed a thunderous free-kick that gave the Fatorda goalkeeper no chance.

The second half was fiercely contested, with both sides creating chances. Areal’s Darryl Costa came closest to breaking the tie, but his header missed the target by inches. Solid defending at both ends ensured the match remained locked at 1-1 by the final whistle.

The match proceeded to penalties, where Fatorda held their nerve. Velito Miranda, Rahul Sharma, Cavin Araujo, Milson Baretto, and Alfred Noronha converted their spot kicks with composure. Areal’s Bersel Viegas, Darryl Costa, Aryan Carvalho, and Neville Fernandes were also successful, but one crucial miss proved decisive in the shootout.

The DBO Fatorda were awarded a cash prize of ₹60,000 while Sao Jose de Areal had to be content with ₹40,000.

Cwen Pereira, along with her brothers Master Ciel Pereira and Master Cleavon Pereira, was honoured with the Late Oscar A C Da Costa Award for excellence in Karate.

The grand finale was graced by several dignitaries, including India U-20 head coach Bibiano Fernandes as the chief guest. Other notable guests included GFA Vice-President Anthony Pango, members and ex-members of the GFA Executive Committee, Fr. Alex D’Souza (Parish Priest, Our Lady of Hope Church, Chinchinim), Fr. Victor Viegas (Assistant Parish Priest), Fr. Chrysler D’Souza (Chaplain, Our Lady of Merces Chapel, Sirlim), and Velim MLA Eng. Cruz Silva and other officials

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Best Goalkeeper: Sunny Fernandes (CRC Chinchinim)

Best Defender: Melvin Lobo (Nerul)

Best Half: Asfin Pinto (Ambelim SC)

Best Forward : Hanslum Furtado (DBO Fatorda)

Most Promising Player: Johnson Horta (Benfica Youth Club)

Highest Scorer (Tournament): Bersel Viegas (Areal)

Man of the Match: Bersel Viegas (Sao Jose de Areal)

Best Goalkeeper (Final): Glen Fernandes (DBO Fatorda)

Best Defender (Final): Alfred Noronha (DBO Fatorda)

Best Half (Final): David Colaco (Sao Jose de Areal)

Best Forward (Final): Edgar Noronha (DBO Fatorda)