THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
Guardian Angel SC produced a dominant second-half display to defeat Navelim Sporting Club 2-0 and lift the 47th Cana Benaulim Soccer Tournament 2026 at the packed St John the Baptist Panchayat Ground, Dando, Benaulim, on Sunday.
Navelim enjoyed the better share of possession in the opening half, with midfielders Joyson Coutinho and Sam Pereira controlling proceedings through crisp passing and intelligent movement. However, their forwards failed to convert the chances they created as the teams went into the break locked at 0-0.
Guardian Angel returned a transformed side after the interval, gradually taking control of the midfield and putting sustained pressure on the Navelim defence. Salgeo Dias proved a constant threat with his pace and movement, while Navelim goalkeeper Mehboob Sayyed produced a string of fine saves to keep his side in contention.
The breakthrough finally came in the 43rd minute when Salgeo Dias calmly slotted home to put Guardian Angel ahead. Chasing an equaliser, Navelim committed more players forward but left gaps at the back. Guardian Angel capitalised on the openings, with Reagan Costa adding a second goal to seal an impressive 2-0 victory and the championship.
Captain Venzy Viegas, MLA of Benaulim constituency, was the chief guest and presented the trophies in the presence of guest of honour Ranjith Cotta Carvalho and other dignitaries.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Best Player of the Final: Ivo Costa (Guardian Angel SC)
First Scorer of the Final: Salgeo Dias (Guardian Angel SC)
Best Midfielder of the Final: Sam Pereira (Navelim Sporting Club)
Best Defender of the Final: Milroy Clemente (Guardian Angel SC)
Best Goalkeeper of the Final: Mehboob Sayyed (Navelim Sporting Club)
Best Forward of the Final: Salgeo Dias (Guardian Angel SC)
Upcoming Player of Sporting Club Cana Benaulim: Mark Fernandes
Best Disciplined Team: São José de Areal
