Pope John XXIII High School, Quepem were crowned champions of the inaugural All Goa Late Neville Pereira Invitational Inter-School Under-15 Boys Football Tournament after edging past St. Joseph's Educational Institute, Chandor in a dramatic penalty shootout at Figueredo Ground, Pontemol, Curchorem.
The final ended 1-1 at the end of regulation time, with both teams producing an entertaining and evenly fought contest. Pope John XXIII held their nerve in the ensuing shootout to clinch the title and lift the coveted trophy.
The Quepem side enjoyed a dominant run to the final. They began their knockout campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over St. Anthony's High School, Panchwadi in the quarter-finals before registering another emphatic 3-0 win against Loyola High School, Margao in the semi-finals.
MLA Nilesh Cabral presented the championship trophy to the winners and congratulated both finalists for showcasing impressive football and exemplary sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
Pope John XXIII's triumph was guided by physical education teacher Cosme Ferrao and coach Melvin Fernandes, whose preparation and guidance played a key role in the team's successful campaign.
