MARGAO
Navelim Villagers Union were crowned champions of the 27th All Goa Our Lady of Merces 8-a-side Inter-Village Football Tournament, the Merces Cup 2026, organised by Sirlim Sports Club at the Church Ground on Friday.
Navelim Villagers Union edged CRCC Chinchinim 2-1 in an entertaining final to lift the coveted trophy.
Navelim Villagers Union took the lead in the 17th minute when Richard Costa found the net after receiving a fine pass from Sam Pereira. They went into the break 1-0 ahead.
Travis D’Souza doubled Navelim’s advantage in the 40th minute, heading home from a corner delivered by Richard Costa. CRCC responded three minutes later, with Leslie Costa reducing the deficit with a well-placed header.
CRCC Chinchinim goalkeeper Sunny Fernandes produced a series of fine saves to keep his team in contention, denying repeated raids by Richard Costa and Sam Pereira. Earlier, D’Souza had also struck the crossbar in the fifth minute.
Chinchinim came close to forcing an equaliser late in the match, but Daniel Rebello’s effort went narrowly wide as Navelim held on for victory.
Richard Costa was named Man of the Match, while Jeet Gupta was adjudged Best Goalkeeper of the Final. D’Souza was named Best Forward of the Final, with Leslie Costa winning the Best Defender award.
Navelim Villagers Union received medals, the championship trophy and Rs 60,000, while runners-up CRCC Chinchinim took home medals, a trophy and Rs 50,000.
Among the tournament awards, Sam Pereira was named Best Half, Franky Olivera Best Forward, Yogendra Narvekar Best Goalkeeper and Aiyan Shaik Best Defender. Riyan Asampur was adjudged the Most Promising Player, while Prince Narve of USC Seraulim was the Youngest Player.
The final was attended by chief guest Mariano Dias, Technical Director of Dempo SC Academy, and Guest of Honour Eng. Cruz Silva, MLA of Velim. Several priests, GFA executive members from North and South Goa, and special invitee Malifa Cardozo, ZP Navelim, were also present.
The Late Oscar D’Costa Scholarship was presented to Jhon Paul Gomendes and Fabian Rodrigues.
