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Sporting Club of Davorlim edged past hosts Cana Benaulim Sporting Association 2-1 to be crowned the 41st Cana Benaulim football tournament champions in a thrilling final at the St. John the Baptist ground, Dando-Benaulim on Sunday. Goals from Clifton Rebello and Perryson Rebello cancelled out an own goal from Leasser Raikar as Cana Benaulim went down fighting with SC Davorlim emerging champions.
Both the teams started the game on a cautious note as the two sides were involved in a midfield battle. Midway through the first half, Clifton managed to break the deadlock with a brilliant shot from 20 yards out. The attacker collected the ball when he was far away from the goal and launched a powerful shot that beat the keeper.
Perryson in particular looked menacing up from and created a host of chances. For Cana Benaulim, Elvis Barreto had a wonderful opportunity when he was fed with a pass from Lezly Fernandes. Elvis took a touch and tried to beat the goalkeeper with a first-time shot but his shot was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper. Davorlim finished the first half stronger and they went into half-time with a crucial 1-0 lead.
Trailing 1-0, the hosts started the second half by almost scoring. Vellesly Afonso found himself on the edge of the Davorlim box and he tried a curling left foot shot that skimmed above the goalpost. While Cana Benaulim were on the front foot, SC Davorlim were using the counter attack strategy. They managed to double their lead through one such attack as Perryson beat his marker for pace and cut in from the left wing.
The attacker fired a low shot which hit the defender and went into the net as Davorlim were 2-0 up in the 45th minute. Just when Davorlim looked to be cruising they conceded a very soft goal. When trying to clear a cross, Davorlim defender Leasser seriously misjudged the ball as he hit the ball into his own net as Cana Benaulim were given a lifeline to get back into the match. The likes of Elvis and Nicholas Rodrigues tried desperately to score but Davorlim managed to hold onto their lead and win the final.
Evancio Quadros, chairman of Quadros Group was the chief guest and gave away the prizes.
