the goan I network
Panaji
The finals kicked off with the U-10 boys final, wherein the Arambol lads pipped GFDC Benaulim by a solitary goal scored by Daniel Fernandes. In U-13 girls, the Dona Paula team was powered by Karen Estrocio’s strike as they beat GFDC Collem 1-0. In the last title decider, in the U-13 boys finals, GFDC Khandepar and GFDC Mandrem on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The fourth edition of the tournament had commenced on November 22 with over 4,000 budding footballers vying for the top honours. As the kids engaged in fiertce action, the stands buzzed with enthusiastic GFDC trainees, with their family members in attendance, cheered on the promising footballers in the three finals. The skills of the young players were evident with their little feet displaying finesse in dribbles and manoeuvres, shooting and crisp passing. Goals were cheered, missed chances were met with sighs of despair with the largely attended crowd being neutral.
Besides the playing surface, the GFDC trainees were seen animated discussing the proceedings of the match while a few kicked the ball around on the sidelines. Post the finals, a dozen trainees showcased their ball juggling skills to an appreciative audience.
Sports Minister Babu Azgaonkar was the chief guest at the prize presentation ceremony, which was also attended by Akshay Tandon, President of FC Goa, and Valanka Alemao, the Churchill Brothers CEO.
