MARGAO
St. Anthony Football Club, Assolda, emerged champions of the Fr. Agnelo Soccer Trophy after edging past hosts Fr. Agnelo Sports and Cultural Club, Paroda, 2–1 in a thrilling final of the 16th Inter-Village Football Tournament. The match, played at the Panchayat Grounds, Avedem–Paroda, kept a large and festive crowd engrossed from start to finish.
Assolda dominated the first half and established a 2–0 lead. Phezer Gomes opened the scoring in the 11th minute, calmly converting a penalty awarded for a dangerous play inside the box. Raymond Costa then doubled Assolda’s advantage just before the break with a well-taken goal in the 45th minute.
The hosts made a strong comeback after the interval, with Omkar Gaonkar pulling one back for Paroda in the 54th minute. Paroda pressed hard for an equaliser and mounted several attacks, but Assolda’s disciplined defence stood firm to secure the narrow victory.
St. Anthony F.C. Assolda were awarded the trophy along with a cash prize of Rs. 60,000, while runners-up Fr. Agnelo SCC, Paroda, received Rs. 40,000 and trophies.
The MLA of Quepem Taluka Alton D’Costa, was the chief guest and distributed the prizes, while Sidharth Dessai, Chairperson of the South Goa Zilla Panchayat, attended as Guest of Honour. Also present were Fr. George Ratos, Parish Priest of Paroda, Bhupendra Dessai, Sarpanch of Avedem–Cotombi–Chaify, and other dignitaries.
Individual awards
Player of the Match: Ashwon Fernandes (Fr. Agnelo SCC)
Best Goalkeeper: Ravil Fernandes (Fr. Agnelo SCC)
Best Defender: Cruz Fernandes (St. Anthony FC)
First Scorer of the Finals: Phezer Gomes (St Anthony FC)
