the goan I network
MARGAO
Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda rode on a headed winner from their substitute striker Samson Miranda to down Snow’s Football Academy, Raia by a solitary goal and annex the Youth Club of Manora Soccer title in an absorbing final at Panchayat ground, Raia on Sunday.
Don Bosco Oratory had a great chance in the very second minute but striker Necil Pinto’s snap shot hit the crossbar. Moments later, Snow’s Football Academy had a chance to break the deadlock when Oilex Olveira’s pile driver hit the post in the sixth minute.
Don Bosco Oratory then had another chance but midfielder Cliff Baretto’s left-footed drive failed to beat the rival goalkeeper in a one-to-one situation. Midway in the first half, Necil -- after getting an assist off Christopher Borges -- had some time to put it past the rival goalkeeper but failed with his attempt.
The second half turned out to be livelier as both the teams showed great urgency in search of a goal. Francis Andrade played a stellar role for his team, spraying accurate passes and he himself came close to scoring but his smart header flew over the crossbar in the 36th minute.
The lone goal of the match came in the 56th minute when Samson Miranda scored off a low but powerful header from Francis Andrade’s well-directed cross from the left flank. With the time running out, Snow’s Football Academy went all out in search of the equaliser but Oilex Oliveira’s strike missed the target narrowly.
Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda were richer by Rs 30,000 and a trophy while Snow’s Football Academy had to settle for Rs 25,000 and a trophy. Oilex Oliveira of Snow’s Football Academy and Agnelo Noronha of Don Bosco Oratory were adjudged as the best striker and best goalkeeper respectively.
Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of Irfan Mirza, Director of VM Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education, Manora-Raia; Welwyn Menezes, General Secretary of GFA; Raia Sarpanch Zelia Gonsalves; Dionizio Sardinha and Arnaldo Costa, GFA executive member. Anthony Pango, President of Snow’s Football Academy and GFA executive member, presided.
