MARGAO
Manddar Khuris Pedda emerged champions of the St. John Baptist Trophy Football Tournament with a commanding 2-0 win over Abhuja YC in the finals held at the St. John Baptist ground, Dando, Benaulim. The tournament was organised by Football Friends Benaulim.
The match began on an even note, with both sides testing each other's defences. Abhuja came close to breaking the deadlock in the first half when striker Vishal Fernandes saw his clever lob rattle the crossbar and bounce out, much to the frustration of his teammates.
Pedda came out stronger after the break and opened the scoring through Jonas Pinto, who latched onto a precise through ball from skipper Faisal Bepari and slotted it past Abhuja goalkeeper Herberd Rorigues.
Despite spirited efforts from Maxwell Rodrigues and Sanford Rodrigues, Abhuja could not find a breakthrough as Pedda’s defenders Sydroy Baptista and Craig Dias held firm. In midfield, Claudson Goes put in a tireless shift to keep Pedda in control.
The result was sealed just two minutes before the final whistle when substitute Josmon Rebello tapped in a fine cross from Quinton Fernandes, sending the Pedda supporters into celebration.
The post-match prize distribution was held in the presence of Fr. Xavier Estebeiro, Parish Priest of St. John Baptist Church, Benaulim, who was the chief guest. He awarded trophies and cash prizes to the winners and runners-up in the presence of guest of honour Manoj Kesarkar, Doma Fernandes, and former footballers Constancio Cotti Fernandes, Camilo Baptista, Cruz Rebello, Amilcar Babush, Seby Fernandes, along with organising committee members Rony Diniz, Minguel Rodrigues, Rody Fernandes, Leopoldo Fernandes, and Anthony Rodrigues.
Manddar Khuris Pedda received a cash prize of ₹18,000 along with the winners’ trophy, while Abhuja YC were awarded ₹12,000 and the runners-up trophy.
Individual Awards
Best Defender of the Tournament: Mark Fernandes (Dados Boys)
Best Striker of the Tournament: Vishal Fernandes (Abhuja YC)
Best Midfielder of the Tournament: Samuel Fernandes (Dados Boys)
Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Rossly Fernandes (United Club Juniors)
Promising Player of the Tournament: Maxwell Rodrigues (Abhuja YC)
Best Player of the Tournament: Nicolau Fernandes (Abhuja YC)
Best Striker of the Finals: Jonas Pinto (Manddar Khuris Pedda)
Best Midfielder of the Finals: Faisal Bepari (Pedda)
Best Defender of the Finals: Craig Dias (Pedda)
Best Goalkeeper of the Finals: Joseph Pinto (Pedda)
Best Player of the Finals : Claudson Goes (Pedda)
