PANAJI
Fractures Veterans Verem were crowned champions of the Panjim Veterans Football Tournament after a commanding 2-0 victory over Fatorda Veterans in the final held at the St. Cruz ground. The match was witnessed by a vibrant crowd of over 1,000 football enthusiasts.
Fatorda started brightly, creating a promising opportunity in the 20th minute, but their efforts were denied by Fractures’ seasoned defender Matthew Gonsalves (former FC Pune), who put in a crucial block to stop Savio Furtado’s close-range attempt.
Despite a goalless first half, Fractures Veterans came out stronger in the second. In the 40th minute, Prasad Dabolkar broke the deadlock by smartly converting a long cross from Avinash Shirodkar, putting Fractures ahead. Dabolkar later doubled the lead in the dying minutes of the match with a brilliant placement, sealing the victory.
Remus Gomes was instrumental in midfield for Fractures, controlling the tempo and contributing heavily to both offense and defense.
The final was graced by several distinguished guests including Rudolf Fernandes (MLA, St. Cruz) as the Chief Guest, and Tony Dias (former Commissioner of Customs and Central Excise) as Guest of Honour. Other special invitees included Angelo Fernandes (ex-Superintendent of Customs and Central Excise), Allan D’sa (ex-Superintendent of Police), Santosh Bandokar (Panch, Pilerne), Ambrosio Dias, and Joaquim Moreira.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Best Player (60+): Bernard Simoes
First Goal Scorer of the Final: Prasad Dabolkar (Fractures Veterans)
Best Defender: Anthony Pereira (Fatorda Veterans)
Best Midfielder: Francisco Andrade (Fatorda Veterans)
Best Forward: Richard Carvalho (Fatorda Veterans)
Best Goalkeeper: Camilo Baretto (Fatorda Veterans)
Best Player of the Final: Remus Gomes (Fractures Veterans)
Player of the Tournament: Matthew Gonsalves (Fractures Veterans)
