the goan I network
MARGAO
Fatorda Veterans prevailed over Verna Veterans 4-2 via tie-breaker to clinch the 1st All Goa inter village veterans football tournament organised by Rachol Veterans, Ilha de Rachol in an exciting final at Ambora Cumurlim ground, Ilha de Rachol on Sunday.
The teams displayed attacking soccer and kept the festive crowds entertained. Verna Veterans were the first to have a look at the rival goal in the 5th minute when Floriano Pereira picked up the ball from Manuel Moniz and outwitted couple of defenders. However, Fatorda goalkeeper came to side’s rescue, preventing the opponent from scoring. At the other end, Fatorda Veterans had their best chance when Joaquim Fernandes breached the rival defence but shot wide from close range, much to the dismay of Fatorda Veterans supporters.
Post resumption, the battle heated up as both sides went all out in search of the elusive match winner. With time running out, Fatorda Veterans almost scored but were unlucky when Francis Colaco’s header missed the mark narrowly. In the tie-breaker, Vincent Barbosa, Joao Paulo Araujo and Mahesh Kambli were on target for Fatorda Veterans, while only Jacinto Abranches and Manuel Moniz converted for Verna Veterans.
Fatorda Veterans were richer by Rs 25,000 while Verna Veterans had to settle for a prize of Rs 20,000. Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of guest of honour and former MLA, Adv Radharao Gracias, special guest Basilo Fernandes (Camurlim Sarpanch) and GFA executive member Anthony Pango.
