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THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
Santa Cruz Veterans held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to defeat Quepem Veterans 6-5 after a 2-2 draw in regulation time and emerge champions of the Curtorim Veterans Cup, organised by Curtorim United Veterans at the St Alex Church Ground, Curtorim, on Sunday.
The final got off to an exciting start with Quepem Veterans taking the lead in the fifth minute through Joe Rose Oliveira. Santa Cruz responded in the 20th minute when Benedic Fernandes restored parity, but Quepem regained the advantage before the break as Joe Rose Oliveira struck his second goal of the match to make it 2-1 at half-time.
Santa Cruz came out strongly after the interval and levelled the scores once again in the 35th minute through Benedic Fernandes, who completed his brace. Despite both teams creating chances, neither side could find the winner, forcing the match into a penalty shoot-out after the score remained locked at 2-2.
In the ensuing tie-breaker, Santa Cruz Veterans displayed greater composure from the spot to clinch a 6-5 victory and lift the trophy.
Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginald Lourenco was the chief guest and presented the prizes in the presence of Rui Menezes, Curtorim Deputy Sarpanch Milagres Rodrigues, Fr Manuel Dias, Fr Milagres Dias, Fr Michael Fernandes, Roque Mascarenhas, Jacob Ataide, Arnold Costa, Mouvin Noronha, Marcus Peixoto, Vincent Rodrigues, Roque D'Costa, Nicholas Paes, Jose Luis, Jose Travasso, Penny Rebello, club officials and other dignitaries.
Individual awards:
Man of the Match: Benedic Fernandes (Santa Cruz Veterans)
Best Defender (Final): Agnelo Colaco (Quepem Veterans)
Best Forward (Final): Joe Rose Oliveira (Quepem Veterans)
Best Goalkeeper (Final): Vicky Sadma (Santa Cruz Veterans)
Best Midfielder (Final): Gevin (Santa Cruz Veterans)
Best Goal of the Tournament: Pele X (Santa Cruz Veterans)
Best Player of the Tournament: Leandro (Curtorim Veterans)
